stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating

intransitive verb

: to become or remain stagnant

Examples of stagnate in a Sentence

a puddle of stagnating water
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.
However, stagnating growth across the region means many will struggle to invest more. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 23 June 2025 The current center core Wendell Carter Jr, acquired via Chicago four years ago, has mostly stagnated in his play. Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Regular workers found that their wages were stagnating even as a tiny elite reaped the fruits of the global economy. Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025 The final batch released before the ban period indicates that though Lee Jae-myung maintains a lead, his support has stagnated in the high 40s. Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnate

Word History

Etymology

Latin stagnatus, past participle of stagnare, from stagnum body of standing water

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnate was in 1661

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

stagnate

verb
stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating
: to be or become stagnant
stagnation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stagnate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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