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

The policy is intended to preserve the fragile status quo.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

But many also favour keeping the "status quo" in cross-strait relations: neither unifying with China nor formally declaring independence.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Which, if I’m not mistaken, is precisely the status quo.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Olivia Ortega, director of housing solutions for the state, said the rival plan from cities and towns mostly maintains the status quo.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

When spo-radic pushes came from the federal government to change the status quo, to break down the boundary of the railroad tracks, they were met with swift and well-organized resistance.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• state of affairs
• status