show stopper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Semi-formal, Technical (Business/IT), Journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “show stopper” mean?
Something that stops a show, typically a performance so impressive that it causes the audience to interrupt with applause.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something that stops a show, typically a performance so impressive that it causes the audience to interrupt with applause; figuratively, something that halts progress or causes a complete cessation of activity, especially in technical or business contexts.
1. (Literal/Arts) An act, song, or scene in a theatrical performance that receives such enthusiastic applause that the show must pause. 2. (Business/Project Management) A critical issue, defect, or problem that prevents a project, deal, or process from moving forward until resolved. 3. (Computing/Engineering) A bug or condition that causes a system to fail completely and requires immediate attention. 4. (General/Colloquial) Any person, object, or event of extraordinary quality that commands overwhelming attention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage frequency. Both use 'showstopper' (one word) and 'show stopper' (two words) interchangeably, though 'showstopper' is increasingly common in all registers.
Connotations
In business/tech contexts, it is a standard term in both varieties. The theatrical sense is perhaps slightly more evocative of classic Broadway/West End culture in their respective regions.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. The figurative business/tech usage may be slightly more frequent in American corporate jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “show stopper” in a Sentence
[be/become/prove] a show stopper[encounter/identify/resolve] a show stopper[pose/present] a show stopperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “show stopper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Primarily a noun compound. The verb form 'to show-stop' is rare and non-standard.
American English
- N/A - Primarily a noun compound. The verb form 'to show-stop' is rare and non-standard.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverbial form. Use 'in a show-stopping way/manner'.
American English
- N/A - No standard adverbial form. Use 'in a show-stopping way/manner'.
adjective
British English
- She delivered a show-stopping performance that had the audience on their feet.
- The deal collapsed due to a show-stopping clause in the contract.
American English
- The new engine feature is show-stopping in its innovation.
- We faced a show-stopping objection from the regulatory board.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The client's last-minute demand for unlimited liability is a potential show stopper for the merger."
Academic
"The lack of primary source data proved to be a show stopper for the research project's next phase."
Everyday
"Her dress at the gala was a real show stopper—everyone was talking about it."
Technical
"We've discovered a show stopper bug in the authentication module; the launch is on hold."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “show stopper”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “show stopper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show stopper”
- Using it to mean merely 'very good' in a formal business report (where it specifically means 'blocking problem'). Confusing the positive (theatrical) and negative (business) senses without clear context. Spelling: 'showstopper' (one word) is often preferred in modern usage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends entirely on context. In entertainment, it's highly positive (an outstanding success). In business, engineering, or project management, it's negative (a critical problem that halts progress).
They are often synonyms in business contexts. However, 'dealbreaker' is specific to negotiations and agreements, while 'show stopper' has broader application in projects, processes, and technical systems.
Both 'show stopper' and 'showstopper' are acceptable. 'Showstopper' (one word) is the more common modern form, especially for the figurative sense. Dictionaries often list both.
Yes, colloquially. E.g., 'She was the show stopper at the party in that amazing dress.' It means a person who attracts an overwhelming amount of attention, usually through appearance or talent.
Something that stops a show, typically a performance so impressive that it causes the audience to interrupt with applause.
Show stopper is usually formal, semi-formal, technical (business/it), journalistic. in register.
Show stopper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ ˌstɒp.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ ˌstɑː.pɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bring the house down”
- “stop the show”
- “stop (someone/something) in its tracks”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stunning Broadway performance so good it literally STOPS the SHOW with applause. Now imagine a critical bug that STOPS your software project's SHOW. The link is a complete halt.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY/MOTION / A PROBLEM IS AN OBSTRUCTION. A show stopper is a massive roadblock that forces the vehicle (the project/show) to stop completely.
Practice
Quiz
In a software development context, a 'show stopper' most likely refers to: