stagnation

Definition of stagnationnext
as in recession
a lack of activity or development and especially economic development After years of economic stagnation, employment numbers began to rise.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of stagnation Trump’s executive order lays the blame for the stagnation of nuclear power at the NRC’s feet. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026 Iran is a young country—more than 40% of its population is under 30—and many of those citizens have lived their entire lives under sanctions, repression, and economic stagnation. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 Nationally, the forecast said the balance of risks has shifted since late 2025 from stagnation toward reacceleration in 2026. City News Service, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026 What if stillness isn’t stagnation? Essence, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation
Noun
  • But the energy shock alone likely isn’t enough to tip the world’s largest economy into a recession.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
  • But a painful reckoning can follow if prices stay elevated, as consumers and businesses cut energy use, economies slide toward recession and policymakers press for interventions on the industry.
    Evan Halper, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The data suggest the slump in academic performance is not rooted only in instructional disruption.
    Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Last season, Suzuki slugged a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBIs while his 31 doubles and 130 OPS+ tied for the second-best of his career despite a second-half slump.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My evident happiness was catching, and my mother, too, was lifted out of her depression.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Katherine was a clinical social worker who specialized in adoption issues, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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