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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Last year, the offense struggled with stagnation due to a lack of ball facilitation and long-range shooting. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 Since founding Career + Leadership Coaching in 2018, Erin has empowered more than 300 motivated professionals to break through stagnation and unlock their full potential. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 The reality is that the Fed's hands are tied; lowering rates too aggressively could trigger another inflationary spiral, while keeping them elevated risks deepening economic stagnation. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The problem is that, sooner or later, an unending war can give the impression, if not of defeat, then of stagnation. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 23 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near stagnation

Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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