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

Pressure with no credible pathway to change can harden control and deepen Cuba's dependence on whichever patrons are still willing to underwrite and subsidize its stagnation. —Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026

When circulation is blocked, liquidity dries up, stagnation sets in, and economic depression can follow. —Jeff Mayhugh, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026

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

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