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Meaning & use

sticking points

noun·Advanced

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UK/ˈstɪkɪŋ pɔɪnts/
US/ˈstɪkɪŋ pɔɪnts/

“sticking points” is a form of “sticking point”.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    The particular issues in a discussion or deal that people cannot agree on and that stop progress.

    Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is 'sticking point', and it usually appears in the plural when several issues block a deal.

    Patterns

    • the main sticking points in something
    • sticking points over something
    • remain a sticking point

    Pay and working hours were the main sticking points in the negotiations.

    Talks broke down because of two sticking points that neither side would give up.

    The border issue remains a sticking point between the two countries.

  2. nounsingular

    The single most difficult detail that prevents an agreement or plan from being completed.

    Grammar: Used in the singular with 'the' when only one issue is blocking things.

    Patterns

    • the sticking point
    • a sticking point for someone
    • prove a sticking point

    The cost of the repairs proved the sticking point, and the sale fell through.

    For many voters, the tax increase is the sticking point.

    That one clause was the sticking point that stopped us signing the contract.

Word forms

singularsticking point

Common combinations

the main sticking points
The main sticking points were money and timing.
remain a sticking point
Funding still remains a sticking point in the talks.
a sticking point over something
There is a sticking point over who will pay for the cleanup.
get past the sticking points
Both sides worked hard to get past the sticking points.
a key sticking point
Control of the port is a key sticking point.

Synonyms and how they differ

obstacle
A general word for anything that blocks progress; it is wider than 'sticking point', which is specifically a disputed issue in talks.
deadlock
Describes a situation where no progress is possible at all, while a sticking point is the specific issue causing that situation.
disagreement
Simply means people have different views; a sticking point is a disagreement serious enough to block an agreement.

Opposites

agreementcompromise

Word family

sticking point noun
The singular form, meaning one issue that blocks agreement.
stick verb
To become fixed and unable to move or change, as in 'the talks stuck on one issue'.

Commonly confused: sticking points or sticking plaster?

sticking points vs sticking plaster

A British term for a bandage for small cuts; it sounds similar but has nothing to do with disagreements.

Practice

Talks between the union and management stalled because of several ______ over pay.

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