stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnation (audio)
: a stagnant state or condition : a state or condition marked by lack of flow, movement, or development
In short, the increasing contamination and stagnation of the segment of river had become a matter of concern.Ryan Holifield and Nick Schuelke
In 1664, when plague had struck Amsterdam again, with the usual stagnation of trade that followed its worst attacks, the sight of a shooting star was taken as axiomatic confirmation of divine displeasure.Simon Schama

Examples of stagnation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In particular, there may have been confusion, challenges or stagnation with your romantic life, children or enjoyment in life. Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Last spring, the city boldly took the initiative to break the stagnation that has plagued the Terminal for decades and, along with the state, engineered a land swap with the Port Authority so that the city could take control of the site and redevelop it. Dan Goldman, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2025 The combination of military threats, sanctions, and diplomatic stagnation suggests prolonged tensions between Tehran and Washington. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 Entering 2025, underlying the calm surface of the U.S. labor market were currents of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and stagnation. Michael B. Horn, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnation was in 1644

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stagnation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!