stagnation
stag-NAY-shun
/stæɡˈneɪʃn/
The state of not flowing or moving; lack of activity, growth, or development.
Implies that the lack of movement is causing something to become 'stale' or 'unhealthy,' like standing water.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'stagnare,' which specifically referred to water that had stopped flowing. It entered English in the 17th century to describe both literal ponds and metaphorical minds.
Word relationships
- inactivity: Inactivity is neutral; stagnation implies decay or negative consequences.
- growth: Growth is the healthy development that stagnation prevents.
Commonly confused with
- standstill: Standstill is a stop; stagnation is a failure to grow over time.
Word family
- stagnant (adjective): not moving or growing
- stagnate (verb): to stop moving or developing
Collocations
- economic stagnation
- period of stagnation
- cultural stagnation
Example sentences
- "The country suffered from a decade of economic stagnation and high unemployment." Economics
- "The stagnation of the pond water led to a massive bloom of algae." Biology
Memory hook
A 'Stagnant' pond is 'Stale' and 'Nasty'. Green, still water in a swamp.
When not to use
Avoid for a quick pause; it implies a long-term, negative state.
Fun facts
- In economics, 'stagflation' is a portmanteau of 'stagnation' and 'inflation'.
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