stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnation (audio)
: a stagnant state or condition : a state or condition marked by lack of flow, movement, or development
In short, the increasing contamination and stagnation of the segment of river had become a matter of concern.Ryan Holifield and Nick Schuelke
In 1664, when plague had struck Amsterdam again, with the usual stagnation of trade that followed its worst attacks, the sight of a shooting star was taken as axiomatic confirmation of divine displeasure.Simon Schama

Examples of stagnation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Though perhaps understandable, these regrettable local taxes on groceries will only deepen the burden on struggling families if inflation and wage stagnation persist into 2026. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025 In a city like Baltimore, where misinformation, stereotypes and destructive cultural narratives hit hardest, media literacy is an antidote to manipulation and mental stagnation. S.t. Barnes, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2025 Many teams analyze problems but fail to act, leading to stagnation. Christoph Knitter, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The report's findings point to stagnation in earnings potential for graduates in traditionally high-enrollment fields such as communications and social sciences, raising questions for students weighing the return on their educational investment. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stagnation

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnation was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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