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

In a rapidly changing world, continuous curiosity and a willingness to experiment are vital to avoid intellectual stagnation. — Lintao "lt" Lu, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

The energy announcement is designed to show that Burnham will move quickly to improve living standards after years of stagnation. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 July 2026

Our region faces real and serious challenges, including gun violence, neighborhood disinvestment, growing wealth disparity, population stagnation and a fiscal burden that constrains public investment. — Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

The state’s participation in RAISE US comes at a time of federal stagnation on AI policy. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 18 July 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