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

Bueermann said the federal status quo just doesn’t align with American values. —Tolu Talabi, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2026

For me, this isn’t about maintaining status quo. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2026

The law allows virtually anyone to file a lawsuit claiming potential environmental harm, and has become a tool for unions seeking leverage, competitors seeking advantage, and neighborhood groups seeking status quo. —Mike Garcia, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026

Defending the cellphone status quo This isn’t the first time Connecticut legislators have moved to limit cellphones in schools. —Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 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