stagnate

verb

stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating

intransitive verb

: to become or remain stagnant

Examples of stagnate in a Sentence

a puddle of stagnating water
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eighth grade reading proficiency stagnated, with no change between 2022 and 2024. Carly Flandro, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2025 If you're not seen or your contributions aren't visible, your career may stagnate. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 On its ensuing possession, Ohio State’s offense stagnated and faced a third-and-11 with 2:45 remaining. Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Outside the defense sectors, meanwhile, budgets for social services, national economic programs, and even internal security and law enforcement are either stagnating or getting cut. Alexandra Prokopenko, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stagnate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin stagnatus, past participle of stagnare, from stagnum body of standing water

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnate was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near stagnate

Cite this Entry

“Stagnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

stagnate

verb
stag·​nate ˈstag-ˌnāt How to pronounce stagnate (audio)
stagnated; stagnating
: to be or become stagnant
stagnation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stagnate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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