Idioms & SlangIntermediate
Show-stopper
PronunciationSHOH-stop-per
Definition
A critical bug or technical issue that prevents software from functioning or being released. It is a problem so severe that all development must stop until it is resolved.
Where you hear it
In project status meetings, during release planning, or when triaging high-priority bugs.
Examples
We cannot deploy the update because the payment gateway failure is a show-stopper.
The team identified a show-stopper in the authentication flow that delays our launch.
Common mistake
Using the term for minor bugs or inconveniences. A show-stopper must be a critical issue that completely prevents the core functionality of the product from working.