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

Polling shows people disgusted with the political status quo. —Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

Trump is increasingly citing the Venezuelan status quo as a major accomplishment and a possible model for Iran. —Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Much of it, though, is about getting us back to an inevitable status quo where the Boys are reunited and working together, Billy Butcher included. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026

Klavins wants politicians on both sides of the aisle that challenge their party's status quo. —CBS News, 8 Apr. 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