Meaning of dead end

1. I followed the path through the woods, only to discover it led to a dead end.
2. The detective hit a dead end in his investigation when all of the suspects had alibis.
3. Our attempts to negotiate with the opposing team reached a dead end.
4. The road we were driving on suddenly came to a dead end, forcing us to turn around.
5. The company realized their marketing strategy was a dead end and decided to try a new approach.
6. The maze had many twists and turns, but ultimately led to a dead end.
7. The hikers were disappointed to find the trail they were on led to a dead end.
8. The project hit a dead end when funding was cut off.
9. The relationship had reached a dead end, with both parties unable to compromise.
10. The cul-de-sac was a dead end, with no way out except to turn around.