stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnation (audio)
: 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
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What began as a protest against a government social media ban quickly morphed into a broader revolt against corruption and economic stagnation. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025 Recent data suggests that consumer confidence is falling as the stagnation in the labor market becomes more clear. John W. Diamond, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 Remember, creating harmony in your daily life is not the same as stagnation, Aries. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 The lack of turnover has led to a sense of stagnation. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnation was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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