stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnation (audio)
Synonyms of stagnationnext
: 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
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Orbán’s leadership brought severe economic stagnation. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Still unable to break into the first team lineup, the feeling of stagnation continued to brew. Ben Church, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2026 To avoid stagnation, be sure to accept new perspectives within your friend group — or at least hear them out! Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026 The pro-European opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, is surging after four years of economic stagnation worsened by frozen EU funding over corruption concerns, presenting Orban’s first serious electoral threat in 16 years. Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnation was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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