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

In a 2017 study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers found that when couples experience relational boredom, engaging in novel and growth-oriented activities together helps to restore relationship quality and reduce feelings of stagnation. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

The broader stagnation of employment in the construction industry in 2025 fits this pattern. —Elizabeth Cox, The Conversation, 29 May 2026

Well, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, pimples are related to internal imbalances of heat and blood stagnation. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 May 2026

These barriers are especially intimidating when brands are looking to expand internationally — operational missteps can often lead to growth stagnation. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stagnation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation