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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Technology Infrastructure Gaps The failure of older systems is often followed by innovation stagnation. Kalyan Gottipati, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Deteriorating education quality could lead to weaker workforces and economic stagnation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 That makes eminent sense, given that — even with economic stagnation on much of the continent due in part to the robust welfare states Europeans have built while scrimping on defense spending — Europe as a whole is far wealthier than Russia, with a GDP 10 times larger. Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 China’s leaders announced an ambitious annual GDP growth target of 5% and new stimulus measures aimed at fending off economic stagnation that is contributing to rising social discontent. Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 2025.

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