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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Companies that fail to foster inclusion risk stagnation and falling behind competitors. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The remedy to that stagnation might have arrived, as people who grew up with those games are now the ones making them. Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025 The president of Germany’s central bank, which on Tuesday reported an annual loss for the first time in more than 40 years, said Germany faced another year of economic stagnation, more gloomy news for a country that is struggling to grow. Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 Zegras’ offensive stagnation could be a symptom of a wider developmental issue for the Anaheim Ducks, because Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier have all disappointed offensively this season. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 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 Mar. 2025.

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