status quo

American  

[kwoh] / kwoʊ /

noun

1. the existing state or condition.

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status quo British  

/ kwəʊ /

noun

1. the existing state of affairs

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status quo Cultural  

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.”

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status quo Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of status quo

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

Example Sentences

Regardless of how quickly, or slowly, if ever, the Iran war is brought to a conclusion, there will be no return to the status quo ante in the Strait of Hormuz.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Named after the Roman numerals of its rebellious 54-hole concept, LIV certainly managed to disrupt the status quo.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In the late 1970s and into the ’80s, a few renegade outsiders like Bill James began questioning the status quo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante," IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

What was happening in Durham was part of a nationwide process of increasing dissatisfaction with the status quo and a growing willingness to do something about it.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• state of affairs
• status