Standard Lemma guide

softlock

noun · verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A situation where a game remains apparently playable, but further progress is impossible, typically due to a design flaw or glitch.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: video-games

Examples

  • I defeated the boss, but got hit at the exact same time; now I'm stuck in a softlock and can't exit the level.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: gay baby jail, walking dead, unwinnable

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be in or cause a softlock; to remain playable but unable to progress.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Topics: video-games

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From soft + lock.