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

Mexico has since emerged as Cuba’s single largest external oil supplier, making its role critical for an island already crippled by chronic energy shortages, rolling blackouts and deepening economic stagnation. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

By comparison, many peer economies are struggling with demographic decline, energy dependence or structural stagnation. —Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

This does not mean cultural stagnation is inevitable. —Ahmed Elgammal, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

Cultural stagnation or acceleration? —Ahmed Elgammal, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 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