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Stagnant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stagnant

[หˆstรฆษก.nษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

water

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

Synonyms

inactive, motionless, still.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'stagnant'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'stagnant' originated from the Latin word 'stagnare', which means 'to stagnate or stand still'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe water that is not flowing. Over time, its usage expanded to describe anything that is not developing or making progress. The concept of stagnation has been associated with lack of movement and growth, leading to a sense of stillness and inactivity.

See also: stag, stage, stagger.

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.