stagnant

USAGE SUMMARY

"stagnant" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an environment that is stagnant, or not flowing or moving, or a process that is not progressing. For example, "The stagnant pool of water was filled with algae and slimy creatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once popular for wedding receptions and baptism parties, the hotel's pool now holds only a few inches of stagnant rainwater, and a stream of exhausted international aid workers has replaced the celebrations.

The Guardian

George Osborne has told public sector workers and the low paid that they will be the ones to pick up the bill for his attempts to kickstart Britain's stagnant economy, and warned that weaker growth and higher borrowing would force the country to endure a record breaking six years of austerity.

The Guardian

In the 1980s we were automating the industry and many lower-technology pits were at risk of displacement as others were turned into computerised superpits - in a stagnant market for coal.

The Guardian

And without competition, games fall behind the times as stagnant old guards refuse to change.

The Guardian - Sport

On 2005's The Woods, they railed against a stagnant contemporary music scene obsessed with black-clad white boys ripping off Joy Division: "You come around looking 1984 / Nostalgia, you're using it like a whore," they spat on Entertain.

The Guardian - Music

It's not hard to see why both struck a chord: a tepid global economy, high unemployment, stagnant living standards and trickle up to those at the top have created an environment of sullen unease.

The Guardian - Business

The prime minister was right to dismiss gimmicks around the cost of living, but the party does need to show how it's building on the welcome fuel duty freeze to help voters who are feeling the pressure of rising prices and stagnant wages.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president, focusing on high-tech jobs in a bid to make progress on stagnant wages, has obtained commitments from more than 300 employers as well as local governments in 20 regions of the US to train and hire high-tech workers in an effort to drive up higher-income employment.

The Guardian

There is widespread concern about stagnant, indeed falling, average real incomes in countries such as the UK.

The Guardian - Business

In a tight race, with both main parties polling at around 34%, Ukip's rise may also hurt Miliband's prospects by peeling off Labour's equivalent of blue-collar Democrats, working-class voters fed up with stagnant wages and gay marriage, underfunded public services and "unpatriotic" liberals.

The Guardian

And are the polls proving right, as stagnant as they have been, or are we in for a shock?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stagnant" to describe an economy or market, consider specifying the factors contributing to the stagnation for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stagnant" too loosely in metaphorical contexts where other terms might provide a more vivid or precise description. For instance, instead of a "stagnant debate", consider a "fruitless debate" or an "inconclusive debate".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "stagnant" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, describing nouns by indicating a lack of movement, flow, or progress. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing "stagnant rainwater" or a "stagnant economy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stagnant" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of movement, progress, or vitality. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While various synonyms exist, such as "static" and "motionless", the specific context dictates the best choice. When employing "stagnant", ensure clarity by specifying the factors contributing to the stagnation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application across diverse domains, solidifying its relevance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motionless

Focuses specifically on the absence of physical movement.

static

Highlights a lack of change or development.

dormant

Implies a temporary state of inactivity, with the potential for future activity.

inactive

Suggests a lack of participation or operation.

stale

Emphasizes a lack of freshness or originality.

sluggish

Describes slow or delayed movement or progress.

torpid

Implies sluggishness and a lack of energy.

lethargic

Conveys a sense of apathy and reduced activity.

moribund

Suggests a state of decline or near death.

lifeless

Emphasizes the absence of vitality or animation.

FAQs

How can I use "stagnant" in a sentence?

You can use "stagnant" to describe something that lacks movement, progress, or vitality. For example, "The economy has been "stagnant" for the past year" or "The "stagnant pool" was a breeding ground for mosquitoes."

What are some synonyms for "stagnant"?

Synonyms for "stagnant" include "static", "motionless", "dormant", "inactive", and "stale". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "stagnant" and "static"?

"Stagnant" implies a lack of progress or development, often with negative connotations, while "static" simply means unchanging or still. A "stagnant" economy is failing to grow, whereas a "static" display might be intentionally unchanging.

When is it appropriate to use "stagnant"?

"Stagnant" is appropriate when describing something that should be moving or progressing but isn't. This could apply to economies, markets, water bodies, or even abstract concepts like ideas or creativity. It often carries a negative connotation of being undesirable.