stagnation
stag-NAY-shuhn
/stæɡˈneɪʃn/
The state of not flowing or moving; lack of activity, growth, or development.
Implies an unhealthy, sluggish state of standing still while surroundings advance.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'stagnum' (a body of standing water). Just as still water becomes murky and foul, an unmoving project or mind suffers stagnation.
Word relationships
- standstill: Standstill is a temporary stop, whereas stagnation implies decay and foul lack of movement over time.
- progress: Progress involves forward momentum and positive dynamic growth.
Commonly confused with
- starvation: Starvation is lack of food; stagnation is lack of motion or vitality.
Word family
- stagnant (adjective): Showing no activity or movement.
- stagnate (verb): Cease developing or flowing.
Collocations
- artistic stagnation
- economic stagnation
- period of stagnation
Idioms & expressions
- hit a brick wall
- in a rut
Example sentences
- "Without continuous investment in research, the technology company faced a period of creative stagnation." Economic commentary
- "To avoid artistic stagnation, the sculptor deliberately switched from working with marble to experimenting with welded steel." Artistic career
Memory hook
A STAG standing motionless by a STAGNANT pool. Still water goes foul; still minds stagnate.
When not to use
Do not confuse with deliberate rest or intentional incubation.
Fun facts
- Economic 'stagflation' combines stagnation with inflation.
Related words
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