stagnation
noun
stag·na·tion
stag-ˈnā-shən 
: 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
Ryan Holifield and Nick SchuelkeIn 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
Simon SchamaExamples of stagnation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Earnings growth is appearing in places where stagnation once defined the outlook.
—Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Opening your windows for a few minutes each day helps combat air stagnation via ventilation, which is ultimately good for your home and your health.
—Calin Van Paris, Outside, 29 Jan. 2026
Security does not mean stagnation anymore.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Historically, major asset cycles often see five or more years of correction or stagnation, followed by slow recoveries.
—Alice Liu, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stagnation
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Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Opening your windows for a few minutes each day helps combat air stagnation via ventilation, which is ultimately good for your home and your health.
—Calin Van Paris, Outside, 29 Jan. 2026
Security does not mean stagnation anymore.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Jan. 2026
Historically, major asset cycles often see five or more years of correction or stagnation, followed by slow recoveries.
—Alice Liu, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stagnation
Cite this Entry
“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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