stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt 

stagnated; stagnating

intransitive verb

: to become or remain stagnant

a puddle of stagnating water

wages stagnated

Examples of stagnate in a Sentence

a puddle of stagnating water

Recent Examples on the Web

That pattern is likely to be replicated in future jobs reports as sectors with large shares of women workers, such as health care and social services, continue to expand while male-heavy sectors like construction and tech either shrink or stagnate. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

But when the offense stagnated late, the defense refound its form. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

Even amid growing public fatigue, recession and stagnating living standards, the massive state propaganda machine and tight control over the election all but assure United Russia's victory. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

The 2024 Baltimore Orioles looked too young to stagnate in 2025. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin stagnatus, past participle of stagnare, from stagnum body of standing water

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stagnate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt 

stagnated; stagnating

: to be or become stagnant

stagnation

stag-ˈnā-shən 

noun