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

And prices rallied 24% in 2020 as the pandemic upended the global economic status quo. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026

The driver was arrested, six people were treated for injuries, and operations were status quo the following day. —Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

At a time when Florida’s educator retention problem is harming students statewide, inaction is a choice that maintains a failing status quo. —Andrew Spar, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026

The two sides have been operating in status quo since the prior CBA expired in early January after several extensions. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 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