status quo

noun

-ˈkwō 

: the existing state of affairs

seeks to preserve the status quo

Synonyms

• normalcy
• normality

Examples of status quo in a Sentence

He is content with the status quo and does not like change.

civic leaders who are afraid to do anything that might change the town's status quo

Recent Examples on the Web

Thong expects the overall policy status quo to persist even under a coalition government, noting that common ground policies will be easier to enact such as investment in renewables, regional investment, and further social spending and tax cuts. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024

This new increase recommended Sunday by Gov. Newsom will certainly shake up the tax credit status quo. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2024

Many Israelis feel that a return to the pre–October 7 status quo would be unacceptable. —Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2024

In the upheaval that would follow, and eventually the new status quo, what role would bitcoin play? —Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, state in which

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

status quo

noun

sta·​tus quo

ˌstāt-ə-ˈskwō,

ˌstat-

: the way things are now

chose to keep the status quo rather than make changes

Legal Definition

status quo

noun

-ˈkwō 

: the existing state of affairs

specifically : the last actual and uncontested state of affairs that preceded a controversy and that is to be preserved by preliminary injunction compare status quo ante

Etymology

Latin, state in which