Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

softlock

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English

Syllables: soft-lock
IPA

17

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

verb

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

Intransitive verb; Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"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."
"Fixed a softlock where Concentration in the interrogation room wouldn’t turn off and wouldn’t let you start the interrogation."

Etymology

From soft + lock.

Usage

Inflected Forms

softlocks (plural) softlocks (present, singular) softlocking (participle, present) softlocked (participle, past) softlocked (past)

Phrases

anti-softlock

Frequently Paired Words

hardlock anti-softlock

Synonyms

gay baby jail walking dead unwinnable

Questions

What does softlock mean?: A situation where a game remains apparently playable, but further progress is impossible, typically due to a design flaw or glitch.
Where does softlock come from?: From soft + lock.

How to pronounce softlock

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “softlock”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “softlock” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.