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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This stagnation comes at a time when medical needs are growing and pharmaceutical innovation is more critical than ever. Greg Licholai Md, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 New home prices fell at their fastest pace in seven months in May, according to Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie, extending a two-year stagnation, despite the government efforts aimed at arresting the decline. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 June 2025 In a report last year, former Italian Prime Minister and ex-European Central Bank President Mario Draghi warned of the danger Europe’s economic stagnation poses for its sovereignty. Hadley Gamble, semafor.com, 17 June 2025 Nonetheless, the country’s consumer economy showed notable signs of recovery in May after months of stagnation due to weak demand and deflationary pressures. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 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 4 Jul. 2025.

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