status quo

noun

: the existing state of affairs
seeks to preserve the status quo

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Iranian people look neither to the past nor the current status quo but forward—to a free and democratic future, where legitimacy derives solely from the ballot box. Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025 Two sides abandon all perspective, politicians fail to broker between them, a sclerotic legal system draws out the stalemate, and the result is status quo, plus an infuriating escalation of costs. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 June 2025 The public school status quo isn’t working for students or taxpayers. Jordan Bruneau, Oc Register, 17 June 2025 In that document, China was called out for challenging the international order, partnering with Russia in its war against Ukraine and trying to change the region’s status quo by force. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for status quo

Word History

Etymology

Latin, state in which

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of status quo was in 1719

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Status quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status%20quo. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on status quo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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