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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

softlock en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Etymology

From soft + lock.

Meanings

  1. A situation where a game remains apparently playable, but further progress is impossible, typically due to a design flaw or glitch.
    • Fixed a softlock where Concentration in the interrogation room wouldn’t turn off and wouldn’t let you start the interrogation. 2026 January 23, “Update #2”, in Pathologic 3 Events, Ice-Pick Lodge, via Steam Community:
    • 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.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
softlocks Number=Plur lexicographic

Synonyms

gay baby jail · unwinnable · walking dead

softlock en · VERB

Pronunciation

Etymology

From soft + lock.

Meanings

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

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
softlocking Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
softlocked Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
softlocked Tense=Past lexicographic
softlocks Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic

Relateds

hardlock · anti-softlock