stalemate – n. a contest, dispute, competition, etc., in which neither side can gain an advantage or win

ultimate – adj. happening or coming at the end of a process, series of events, etc.

thrust – n. the main point or meaning of something

assess – v. to make a judgment about (something)

deteriorate – v. to become worse as time passes

modest – adj. not very large in size or amount

accomplishment – n. something done, achieved or accomplished successfully

reinforce – v. to encourage or give support to (an idea, behavior, feeling, etc.)