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 first step in reversing cultural stagnation is to accept that artistic invention is a social good. —W. David Marx, The Atlantic, 25 Nov. 2025

This general stagnation is proving particularly challenging across demographics. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

After years of stagnation (and in many cases declines) in content spending from entertainment giants, the cash spigot appears to be turning on once more. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Nov. 2025

Continue with the offense’s stagnation late. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 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