The present invention describes novel 1,3-dihydro-imidazol-2-one or 1,3-dihydro-imidazol-2-thione compounds of formula (I): ##STR00001## or a stereoisomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein A, L R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are defined in the present specification, which are useful as selective inhibitors of MMP, TACE, aggrecanase or a combination thereof. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using the same.