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

The report's findings point to stagnation in earnings potential for graduates in traditionally high-enrollment fields such as communications and social sciences, raising questions for students weighing the return on their educational investment. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Over-investing in experimental AI without clear ROI drains resources, while underinvestment leads to stagnation. —Nishant Satya Lakshmikanth, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Iran is seeking relief from U.S. sanctions and investment boycotts that have contributed to the nation’s economic stagnation. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025

Millions of homeowners refinanced, securing ultra-low rates that are now contributing to market stagnation. —Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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