stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən 

: 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

Many countries are too unstable, underdeveloped, or corrupt to attract foreign capital and will likely stay trapped in stagnation. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

The years that followed were plagued by stagnation and dissipation of any peace process, regular wars with Hamas, and a heavily nationalist government in Israel. — Dahlia Scheindlin, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Some Wall Street analysts suggested Kreiz became too focused on the entertainment side of Mattel’s business, leading to stagnation in toy innovation and slower sales. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026

Unlike the appendage, where atrial fibrillation is necessary for clots to form, stagnation and clot formation can occur within the LASP even in a perfectly normal heart rhythm. — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stagnation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation