softlock

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softlock

Where it comes from

From soft + lock.

noun softlocks

A situation where a game remains apparently playable, but further progress is impossible, typically due to a design flaw or glitch. 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.
Similar: gay baby jail, walking dead, unwinnable

verb softlocks · softlocking · softlocked

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

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MLA

"softlock." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/softlock. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

softlock. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/softlock

Chicago

"softlock." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/softlock.

BibTeX

@misc{softlock_2026,
  title = {softlock},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/softlock},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}