status quo

[kwoh]

noun

1. the existing state or condition.

status quo

/ kwəʊ /

noun

1. the existing state of affairs

status quo

1. The existing order of things; present customs, practices, and power relations: “People with money are often content with the status quo.” From Latin, meaning “the state in which.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of status quo¹

First recorded in 1825–35, status quo is from Latin status quō literally, “state in which”

Word History and Origins

Origin of status quo¹

literally: the state in which

Idioms and Phrases

The existing condition or state of affairs, as in We don't want to admit more singers to the chorus; we like the status quo. This term, Latin for “state in which,” has been used in English since the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

Several clubs, in healthy financial positions, were happy with PSR and wanted to keep the status quo.

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He upset the status quo, attacked the PGA Tour and the golf establishment, and found himself defending LIV from allegations that it was merely an instrument for Saudi Arabia to launder its global image.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It could maintain the status quo, though that will become "increasingly risky for Delhi once a newly elected government takes office next year".

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Trading volume on prediction markets has soared and upended the gambling industry under the laissez-faire status quo.

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“The past few decades have made one thing clear: The status quo is broken,” Walberg said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• state of affairs www.thesaurus.com
• status