The phrase "sticking point" refers to a difficult or stubborn issue that cannot be resolved easily. The first syllable is pronounced as /stɪkɪŋ/ with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable is /pɔɪnt/ with a longer "o" sound. The spelling "sticking" is derived from the verb "stick", meaning to adhere, while "point" refers to a specific detail or aspect. The term is commonly used in business, negotiations, and personal relationships to refer to an obstacle or barrier that needs to be overcome.
Sticking point refers to an area of disagreement or dispute between two or more parties involved in a negotiation, discussion, or decision-making process. It is a figurative term that often denotes a specific point, issue, or condition that hinders progress or prevents the parties involved from reaching an agreement or resolution.
In negotiations, a sticking point can be a crucial issue or demand that becomes a major obstacle to achieving a mutually acceptable outcome. It typically represents a point of contention, differing opinions, or conflicting interests that one or more parties are unwilling to compromise on. Sticking points can arise due to various factors such as conflicting objectives, incompatible requirements, differing values, or perceived fairness.
The term "sticking point" often implies that the issue is critical enough to impede forward movement and requires special attention to overcome. It may involve key matters such as pricing, terms and conditions, contractual obligations, or other significant aspects that require resolution before progress can be made. Sticking points commonly arise in business negotiations, political discussions, legal disputes, and even personal relationships.
Identifying and addressing sticking points can be crucial for successful negotiations or problem-solving as it allows the parties involved to understand the key obstacles and find potential solutions or compromises. Resolving sticking points often necessitates effective communication, creativity, flexibility, and sometimes the involvement of neutral mediators or arbitrators to help find common ground and enable progress.
The term "sticking point" originated in the early 19th century. Its etymology can be traced back to the verb "stick" meaning "to adhere or become fixed". The word "point" refers to a specific position or stage of a process. In combination, "sticking point" denotes a specific issue or obstacle that causes progress to be hindered or a problem that brings something to a halt. The phrase metaphorically alludes to something getting stuck at a particular point, preventing further movement or advancement.