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

Trump’s executive order lays the blame for the stagnation of nuclear power at the NRC’s feet. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Iran is a young country—more than 40% of its population is under 30—and many of those citizens have lived their entire lives under sanctions, repression, and economic stagnation. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 5 Mar. 2026

The stagnation of Quinton Byfield and the puzzling usage of Brandt Clarke were also key points of issue. —Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Nationally, the forecast said the balance of risks has shifted since late 2025 from stagnation toward reacceleration in 2026. —City News Service, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

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