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

Later this month, design critics and retail analysts will be scrutinizing the introduction of a slew of new products in the first collection by global creative director Jonathan Cheung for signs of stagnation or renaissance. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026

But some stagnation, frequent offensive cold snaps and too many turnovers doomed the Hornets in a 111-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026

Wrexham were in a stage of stagnation at the time and the Racecourse Ground, as it was known in those days, in a state of disrepair. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Trump’s executive order lays the blame for the stagnation of nuclear power at the NRC’s feet. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stagnation

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