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 However, no society saw its economy catapulted into a kind of sustained escape velocity away from stagnation before. NPR, 14 Oct. 2025 The Nobel committee noted that for much of human history, economic stagnation, rather than growth, was the norm. Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Economic stagnation, not growth, has been the norm for most of human history. Simon Johnson, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 What began as a protest against a government social media ban quickly morphed into a broader revolt against corruption and economic stagnation. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation
Noun
  • For the third year in a row, there is a recession in Germany, and this needs to change.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Mexico’s economy shrank for the first time in years amid tensions with the US, fueling concerns of a recession.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The fast food industry is in a slump, and Wendy’s isn’t immune.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
  • China manufacturing slump deepens.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In adults, physical activity helps to prevent and manage health problems like cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety—while also enhancing brain health and overall wellbeing—according to the World Health Organization.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Specifically, the study found that the teens and young adults required medical care for common mental disorders like anxiety and depression, a physical health condition, injuries and poisoning, and other physical diseases.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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