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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System justifying beliefs can hinder this progress, leaving the organization in a state of stagnation where outdated practices and resistance to change prevent growth, innovation and the ability to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Kamales Lardi, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Early this year, Gov. Wes Moore acknowledged that Maryland’s economy has been mired in stagnation and that our great state is hemorrhaging people and jobs. John Teichert, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2025 For some liberal journalists and researchers of my generation, the stagnation of American cities has become a fixation. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 The campaign was dominated by worries about the yearslong stagnation of Europe’s biggest economy and large-scale migration, with Merz vowing a tough approach that continued Monday. Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 24 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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