stagnation

noun

Definition of stagnationnext
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 Admissions rose 5% year-on-year, climbing from 362 million in H1 2025 to 378 million in H1 2026 – ending three consecutive years of decline and stagnation. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026 The extra layer of complexity and stagnation feels like a wet blanket being thrown over our summer plans. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026 Unsurprisingly, stagnation in the market has pushed off those plans for the moment. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 15 July 2026 The Foundation attributes the stagnation in Millennial incomes directly to the timing of recession entry. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation
  1. recession
  2. slump
  3. depression
Noun
  • California suffered a near catastrophe on pension debt during the great recession.
    — Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 25 July 2026
  • Hyperscaler pullback could tip economy into recession, Apollo analyst warns.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Definition of recession
Noun
  • Related Stories California more than doubled its support for film and TV production last year in response to the post-strike slump.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • However, the stock has been in a slump more recently, dropping 28% in July.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Definition of slump
Noun
  • Yet, despite the dwindling popularity of both alcohol and cigarettes, various cancers, not to mention other serious conditions like diabetes and depression, have all been on the rise—again, especially in young people.
    — Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026
  • The stress that police officers experience is associated with higher rates of divorce, alcohol abuse, heart disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
    — Meg Anderson, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of depression

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stagnation
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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stagnation

Nglish: Translation of stagnation for Spanish Speakers

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