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
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In Europe, meanwhile, the threat of prolonged economic stagnation is real, with an economy characterized by debt-cutting households, fiscal constraints, sluggish investment, weak productivity and falling interest rates. Jan Mischke, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025 The protests, driven by dissatisfaction at Iran's economic stagnation and galloping hyperinflation, began Sunday in Tehran's largest mobile phone market, where shopkeepers shuttered their businesses. CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025 Not only that, Apple must prove to investors that AI can generate meaningful sales growth after years of post-pandemic stagnation. Steve Kovach, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025 National Weather Service meteorologist Dave Groenert told the Statesman that the Treasure Valley is under an air stagnation advisory that is expected to keep the area dry through Wednesday. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 29 Dec. 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 6 Jan. 2026.

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