sticking point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1 (Intermediate to Advanced)Semi-formal to formal, common in business, political, and academic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sticking point” mean?
A specific issue or point of disagreement that causes a delay or hindrance in negotiations, discussions, or progress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific issue or point of disagreement that causes a delay or hindrance in negotiations, discussions, or progress.
Often refers to a minor or unresolved detail that prevents consensus or advancement in various contexts, such as business, politics, or personal plans.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Similarly connotes an obstacle or delay in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sticking point” in a Sentence
be a sticking pointbecome a sticking pointremain a sticking pointserve as a sticking pointVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Frequently used in negotiations, mergers, or deals to identify critical issues that need resolution.
Academic
Employed in discussions of policy conflicts, historical disputes, or research barriers.
Everyday
Used in personal conversations about plans, such as travel or family decisions, where disagreements arise.
Technical
Found in legal, diplomatic, or engineering contexts regarding specific disputes or design hurdles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sticking point”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sticking point”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sticking point”
- Using it as a verb, e.g., 'We are sticking point on this' instead of 'This is a sticking point for us.'
- Misplacing in sentences, e.g., 'A point sticking was the problem' instead of 'The sticking point was the problem.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is semi-formal to formal, commonly used in business, academic, and professional contexts, but can appear in everyday speech.
No, it typically has a negative connotation, referring to an obstacle or problem that hinders progress.
Obstacle or hurdle are common neutral synonyms.
Ensure it is used as a noun phrase, e.g., 'This issue is a sticking point,' and not as a verb or adjective.
A specific issue or point of disagreement that causes a delay or hindrance in negotiations, discussions, or progress.
Sticking point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkɪŋ pɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkɪŋ pɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bone of contention”
- “flash point”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a point where glue sticks and won't let go; similarly, a sticking point is an issue that 'sticks' and prevents movement forward.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTACLE IS A PHYSICAL STICKING POINT, based on the metaphor of something adhering and causing immobility.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'sticking point' typically refer to?