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

While the décor has evolved through several reiterations over the decades, alternating between French country charm and Provençal elegance, the restaurant’s welcoming spirit remains status quo. — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

In this grim status quo, a certain amount of grief becomes collateral damage. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The rest of the line is status quo, with Brendel at center, Dominick Puni at right guard, and Colton McKivitz at right tackle. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

On their own, these results would indicate a climate in which voters seem largely hesitant to change the tax status quo in one way or another. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 21 July 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