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

The finger-pointing status quo has become a politically safe homeostasis absolving them all of direct accountability. —Max Taves, Mercury News, 31 May 2025

Such a translation suggests a positive anticipatory action rather than a negative status quo decision, but the essential element is social risk aversion in the context of environmental harm. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Chen, 21, who is also pro status quo, said not everything is about politics. —Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 18 May 2025

Kate and Joe are adored for their against-all-odds love story and fierce philanthropy — but when someone threatens their new status quo, Joe handles it the old-fashioned way and lights the fuse on blowing up his entire life. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, state in which

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for status quo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

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