flatline
verb
flat·line
ˈflat-ˌlīn 
flatlined; flatlining; flatlines
1
a
: to register on an electronic monitor as having no brain waves or heartbeat
b
: die
2
a
: to be in a state of no progress or advancement
b
: to come to an end
flatliner
noun
Synonyms
Examples of flatline in a Sentence
the patient was fading fast, and doctors expected him to flatline before the night was over
Recent Examples on the Web
The company’s shipment growth to China flatlined year-on-year in the third quarter.
—
Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
That’s enough oomph to resuscitate a flatlining iPhone 12 Pro at least three times.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024
But after flatlining for nearly two decades, the Nikkei 225 Index quadrupled in value from 2009 to 2024.
—Michael Useem, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024
Economic growth has been tepid so far this year, coming in at 0.2% in August after flatlining in June and July.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flatline 
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Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024
That’s enough oomph to resuscitate a flatlining iPhone 12 Pro at least three times.
—Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024
But after flatlining for nearly two decades, the Nikkei 225 Index quadrupled in value from 2009 to 2024.
—Michael Useem, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024
Economic growth has been tepid so far this year, coming in at 0.2% in August after flatlining in June and July.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flatline
Dictionary Entries Near flatline
Cite this Entry
“Flatline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatline. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
flatline
intransitive verb
flat·line
ˈflat-ˌlīn
flatlined; flatlining
1
: to register on an electronic monitor as having no heartbeat or brain waves : to experience cessation of heart contractions or brain wave activity as indicated by a flat line on a electrocardiogram or electroencephalogram
I flatlined on the operating table, but Dr. Bunsom managed to revive me.—Alison Wright, Yoga Journal
Alison Wright, Yoga JournalHe used to be ill quite a bit as a younger child, and his heart flatlined four times before he was 6.—Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World
Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World2
: die entry 1
But just because death is expected doesn't mean it's any less depressing when the patient finally flatlines.—Phil Taylor, Sports Illustrated
Phil Taylor, Sports IllustratedLove words? Need even more definitions?
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