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
Ryan Holifield and Nick SchuelkeIn 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
Simon SchamaExamples of stagnation in a Sentence
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Even before Jimmy’s death, Stem had been interested in psychedelic treatment, which has undergone a resurgence after decades of stagnation.
—Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
With that kind of influence, Fidesz, which is well behind in most polls, cannot evade responsibility for Hungarian stagnation, and so neither the party nor its leader are talking much about Hungary, its falling industrial production, or its shrinking population.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Expect more talk of stagnation — a prolonged period of slow or no economic growth, characterized by high unemployment and stagnant wages — given higher oil prices, rising concerns about the Middle East conflict, and corporate adoption of AI.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026
Polls give Magyar's Tisza party a double-digit lead with Hungarians weary of years of corruption accusations, clashes with the EU and economic stagnation.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
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Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
With that kind of influence, Fidesz, which is well behind in most polls, cannot evade responsibility for Hungarian stagnation, and so neither the party nor its leader are talking much about Hungary, its falling industrial production, or its shrinking population.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Expect more talk of stagnation — a prolonged period of slow or no economic growth, characterized by high unemployment and stagnant wages — given higher oil prices, rising concerns about the Middle East conflict, and corporate adoption of AI.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026
Polls give Magyar's Tisza party a double-digit lead with Hungarians weary of years of corruption accusations, clashes with the EU and economic stagnation.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stagnation
Cite this Entry
“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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