STAGNATION Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

stagnation

noun

Definition of stagnation

as in recession

a lack of activity or development and especially economic development After years of economic stagnation, employment numbers began to rise.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of stagnation Other competitions like Champions League vary based on performance, not to mention the gradual stagnation of that overall pile of money, as Latty pointed out. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The churn that was supposed to solve for stagnation has produced a workforce that moves more and believes less. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Merz took office less than 15 months ago with pledges to reform and turn around Germany’s economy, Europe’s biggest, after years of stagnation. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 The energy announcement is designed to show that Burnham will move quickly to improve living standards after years of stagnation. — Reuters, NBC news, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation

Noun

The recession caused by the Covid pandemic led to a new round of cuts to public colleges and universities, the CBPP found.

— Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
The global economy has so far avoided the kind of recession that many past energy shocks produced.

— Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of recession

Noun

Bumble and competitor Tinder, owned by Match Group, have reported consecutive declining rates of paying users, revenue and stock slumps in recent years.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Short sellers betting against SpaceX are rapidly retreating from the trade, just as the newly public stock rebounds from its post-IPO slump.

— Yun Li, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of slump

Noun

In other writings found on her cellphone, Clancy detailed her anxiety and depression, challenges raising her children and her hesitation to take new medication.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Avoiding the storm-hindering winds would give it a better shot at becoming a tropical depression or storm.

— Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of depression

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stagnating

stagnation

stagnations

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“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stagnation

noun

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