stagnation

American  

[stag-ney-shuhn] / stægˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the state or condition of stagnating, or having stopped, as by ceasing to run or flow.

   Meteorologists forecast ozone and air stagnation.

2. a foulness or staleness, as one emanating from a standing pool of water.

3. a failure to develop, progress, or advance.

   periods of economic stagnation followed by bursts of growth.

4. the state or quality of being or feeling sluggish and dull.

   Happily, they have been able to avoid stagnation in their ten-year marriage.

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Etymology

Origin of stagnation

stagn(ate) + -ation

Example Sentences

German industry, which is benefiting from the rollout of government stimulus following years of stagnation, led the rebound.

From The Wall Street Journal

That strategy helped the U.S. toy industry return to growth in 2025 after two years of stagnation, as spending by older consumers offset broader economic uncertainty and higher prices driven by tariffs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The demonstrations began under a Gen Z movement, but fuelled by far wider anger at economic stagnation and an ageing elite seen as out of touch.

From Barron's

During its 18 months in power, the country’s center-left government has struggled to revive the economy after more than a decade of stagnation.

From The Wall Street Journal

The youth-led protests were triggered by a brief social media ban, but were fuelled by anger at economic stagnation and an ageing elite seen as out of touch.

From Barron's

Related Words

• sluggishness