stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnation (audio)
Synonyms of stagnationnext
: 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
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.
Russia is experiencing growth stagnation – even recession by some economists’ estimates – as well as rampant business closures and declining consumer confidence, Snegovaya said. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026 To break this stagnation, Nunavut should exercise its right to self-determination, secede from Canada, and merge with an independent Greenland to form a unified Inuit state. Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 Even stable population trends can be cast as stagnation to be avoided at all costs. Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 12 June 2026 In their logic, to criticize a builder is to be reflexively anti-progress and to prefer stagnation over iteration. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 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 15 Jun. 2026.

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