stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating

intransitive verb

: to become or remain stagnant

Examples of stagnate in a Sentence

a puddle of stagnating water
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.
Denver’s budget constraints come from years of growing expenses paired with stagnating revenue growth. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, the Chiefs and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones stagnated Philly’s inside zone runs. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 In contrast, states with shrinking industries or out-migration trends have seen hours stagnate or fall. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 The over $4M sector spent most of the year exceeding levels seen in the last two years, while sub-$4M activity continues to stagnate. John Walkup, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnate

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnate was in 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnate. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stagnate

verb
stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating
: to be or become stagnant
stagnation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stagnate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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