Stagnant: meaning, definitions and examples

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stagnant

[ˈstæɡ.nənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

water

Not flowing or moving; stale; lacking in freshness or vitality.

Synonyms

inactive, motionless, still.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stagnant	Used to describe something that is not moving or changing and may have a negative connotation. Often used for water, but can also describe business, economies, or other situations where no progress is being made. The pond water became stagnant and started to smell. The company's growth has been stagnant for years.
still	A general term for something that is not moving. Can also signify silence or absence of disturbance. Less negative compared to 'stagnant' and more neutral. The night was still and quiet. Please remain still while I take your picture.
motionless	Used when something or someone is completely still and not moving at all. Often used to describe a temporary state. The deer stood motionless, hidden by the trees. She lay motionless in bed, listening to the rain.
inactive	Refers to someone or something that is not taking part in physical activity, work, or movement. It can describe people, economies, software, etc. He has been inactive for weeks after his surgery. The account has been inactive for over a year.

Examples of usage

The stagnant pond was covered in algae.
The stagnant water in the old well was undrinkable.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

economy

Not developing or making progress; showing no activity or growth.

Synonyms

inactive, sluggish, stuck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stagnant	Used to describe something that has stopped moving or developing, often referring to water, air, or economic growth. It suggests a lack of change and can carry a negative connotation. The pond water has become stagnant and is now full of algae The economy has been stagnant for years, leading to high unemployment rates
stuck	Indicates being trapped or unable to move in a physical or metaphorical sense. It is usually used to describe a difficult situation that is hard to get out of. The car got stuck in the mud on the way home I felt stuck in a dead-end job with no opportunities for advancement
inactive	Best used when describing someone or something that is not currently engaged in activity or motion. Often describes people or organizations. She has been inactive in her local community projects since last year The volcano is currently inactive but could erupt at any time
sluggish	Describes slow movement or a lack of energy. It often refers to people, animals, or processes and implies that something or someone is slower than usual. After a large meal, I always feel sluggish and can't do much The internet connection was sluggish, making it difficult to work online

Examples of usage

The stagnant economy led to high unemployment rates.
The company's stagnant sales forced them to make budget cuts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'stagnare,' which means 'to stand still or become stagnant.'
Related words include 'stagnation' which refers to a period where progress stops.

Science

In biology, stagnant water can breed mosquitoes and other pests, making it a health concern.
In economics, stagnant economies experience little or no growth, affecting job creation and living standards.

Psychology

Stagnation can also refer to feelings of being stuck in life, impacting mental well-being.
Therapists often encourage individuals to break through stagnation to find personal growth and fulfillment.

Literature

In literature, stagnant settings often reflect character development, showing how characters can become trapped in their lives.
A popular theme in many books is overcoming stagnation to find purpose or freedom.

Culture

In cultural discussions, stagnant traditions may indicate a need for renewal or change to stay relevant.
Movements that promote social change often stem from frustrations with stagnation in societal norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "stagnant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estagnado

🇮🇳 स्थिर

🇩🇪 stagnierend

🇮🇩 mandek

🇺🇦 застійний

🇵🇱 zastój

🇯🇵 停滞した

🇫🇷 stagnant

🇪🇸 estancado

🇹🇷 durgun

🇰🇷 정체된

🇸🇦 راكِد

🇨🇿 stagnující

🇸🇰 stagnujúci

🇨🇳 停滞的

🇸🇮 stagnira

🇮🇸 stöðugur

🇰🇿 тоқыраған

🇬🇪 მდგრადი

🇦🇿 duran

🇲🇽 estancado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,304, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13301 lengthened
13302 analogies
13303 predicament
13304 stagnant
13305 capricious
13306 aloft
13307 tanker
...