status quo

noun

-ˈkwō 

: the existing state of affairs

seeks to preserve the status quo

The book became a guide for many restaurateurs fed up with the status quo.

—Ali Francis

In much of the world, people are dissatisfied with the status quo and eager to see changes for the better.

—The Christian Science Monitor

Synonyms of status quo

• normality

Examples of status quo in a Sentence

He is content with the status quo and does not like change.

civic leaders who are afraid to do anything that might change the town's status quo

Recent Examples on the Web

Raman, 44, has attempted to position herself as Bass’ most serious ideological challenger from the left, focusing heavily on housing affordability, tenant protections and criticism of the city’s political status quo. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 29 May 2026

Opinions about baseball’s status quo fall along party lines. —Evan Drellich, New York Times, 27 May 2026

The fact these nations are becoming more organised around the practicalities of transition should be a clear indicator of how the energy status quo is changing. —María Mendiluce, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Platner, an oyster farmer and veteran, is known for railing against the billionaire class and political status quo. —Elena Moore, NPR, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, state in which

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for status quo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

status quo

noun

sta·​tus quo

ˌstāt-ə-ˈskwō, 

ˌstat-

: the way things are now

chose to keep the status quo rather than make changes

Legal Definition

status quo

noun

-ˈkwō 

: the existing state of affairs

specifically : the last actual and uncontested state of affairs that preceded a controversy and that is to be preserved by preliminary injunction compare status quo ante

Etymology

Latin, state in which