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

Several European nations continue to see strong sales despite reduced subsidies and economic stagnation. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025

The former United States Champion has experienced a period of stagnation since losing his title to Ilja Dragunov earlier this year. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

The Wyoming news outlet Cowboy State Daily reports that the geyser—which erupted a staggering 165 times between 2018 and early 2023—has entered a period of stagnation. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 8 Dec. 2025

The directive cites demographic decline, regulatory stagnation, migration challenges and war fatigue over Ukraine as vulnerabilities. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 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