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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The report's findings point to stagnation in earnings potential for graduates in traditionally high-enrollment fields such as communications and social sciences, raising questions for students weighing the return on their educational investment. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Over-investing in experimental AI without clear ROI drains resources, while underinvestment leads to stagnation. Nishant Satya Lakshmikanth, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Iran is seeking relief from U.S. sanctions and investment boycotts that have contributed to the nation’s economic stagnation. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025 Millions of homeowners refinanced, securing ultra-low rates that are now contributing to market stagnation. Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stagnation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!