stagnation

noun

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 The state’s participation in RAISE US comes at a time of federal stagnation on AI policy. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026 Admissions rose 5% year-on-year, climbing from 362 million in H1 2025 to 378 million in H1 2026 – ending three consecutive years of decline and stagnation. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026 The extra layer of complexity and stagnation feels like a wet blanket being thrown over our summer plans. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026 Unsurprisingly, stagnation in the market has pushed off those plans for the moment. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stagnation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stagnation
  1. recession
  2. slump
  3. depression
Noun
  • The value of this indicator was last illustrated in 2022, when two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction were originally reported, leading some to opine that the US was in a recession.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, entering the economy during a recession, for example, will have decades of effects on young people.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of recession
Noun
  • Facing a housing slump and declining consumption at home, China has ramped up exports to other nations to buttress slowing economic growth.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The stock sank more than 7% in after-hours trading, extending a slump that’s pushed it down 11% for the year as of Wednesday’s close.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of slump
Noun
  • Why More Men Are Turning to TRT Symptoms of low testosterone often get misread as depression, stress or ordinary aging.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Studies show social media raises children’s risk of depression and behavioral problems.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
Definition of depression

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stagnating
stagnation
stagnations
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Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stagnation. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stagnation

Nglish: Translation of stagnation for Spanish Speakers

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