stagnation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stagnation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word 'stagnation' to refer to a situation where something has stopped progressing or moving forward, or has reached an unproductive standstill. For example: "The stagnation of the economy has led to a lack of jobs and financial insecurity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the many, by contrast, there has been only secular stagnation, with depressed employment and stagnating wages.

The Guardian - Business

Economically, tight state controls have fostered stagnation and popular resentment while hindering foreign investment.

The Guardian

They know that if the negotiations fail, further sanctions will kick in, economic stagnation will worsen, and they will reap the benefits of widespread public disenchantment".

The Guardian

After decades of waning organized labor power and wage stagnation, issues of worker rights and discriminatory pay inequity have moved to the forefront of an ongoing national conversation about wealth inequality in America.

The Guardian

But some US experts – including Harvard's Larry Summers, a former US treasury secretary – have warned that America will struggle to achieve a robust, sustainable recovery because the prevalence of insecure, low-wage jobs means that consumer demand will continue to be weak: a theory known as "secular stagnation".

The Guardian - Business

He might like to set out an optimistic, open philosophy, but riots, cuts and economic stagnation do not encourage people to listen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Proponents of secular stagnation argue that government spending as a share of GDP, which has more than doubled in most advanced economies since the 1950s, should continue to rise.

The Guardian - Business

In 2010, with the Euro-crisis deepening, stagnation entrenched and unemployment still to peak, David Cameron boasted that Britain was "out of the danger zone".

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Average UK household to be £10,000 in debt by end of 2016 Increases in the cost of living together with wage stagnation have hit families where there is only one adult who is likely to be in part-time work to fit in with childcare.

The Guardian - Money

The budget's sound and fury signifies, macro-economically, nothing but sustained stagnation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fewer are confident about how to reverse the four-decade-long stagnation in middle America's pay, and in the particular case of Mrs Clinton, there are few hints even as to how far – or not – she is ready to rethink the free-market thrust of her husband's third way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "stagnation", provide specific context, such as "economic stagnation" or "wage stagnation", to clarify the area affected.

Common error

Avoid using "stagnation" in overly general terms. Always specify what is stagnating to provide a clearer and more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The word "stagnation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a state of inactivity, lack of growth, or progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "stagnation" is used to describe economic or social conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stagnation" is a commonly used noun that describes a state of inactivity or lack of progress. As confirmed by Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and frequently appears in contexts related to economics, politics, and social issues. When using "stagnation", it's crucial to provide context to specify the area affected. The most common error is overuse without specification. Related phrases include "economic slowdown" and "lack of progress". Overall, understanding the proper use of "stagnation" can enhance clarity and impact in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inactivity

A general term for the lack of action or movement.

lack of progress

Emphasizes the absence of advancement or development.

lack of dynamism

Focuses on the absence of energy, force, or active change.

economic slowdown

Focuses specifically on a reduction in economic activity.

standstill

Implies a complete cessation of movement or activity.

state of inactivity

Highlights the condition of being idle or not actively engaged.

period of dormancy

Suggests a state of temporary inactivity or suspension of activity.

downturn

Suggests a decline or reversal in a trend, often economic.

economic recession

Specifically refers to a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months.

economic depression

Implies a long and severe recession in an economy or market.

FAQs

How can I use "stagnation" in a sentence?

You can use "stagnation" to describe a state of inactivity or lack of progress. For example: "The country's economic stagnation led to widespread unemployment."

What are some alternatives to the word "stagnation"?

You can use alternatives such as "lack of progress", "economic slowdown", or "inactivity" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "stagnation" and "recession"?

"Stagnation" implies a prolonged period of little or no growth, while "recession" refers to a significant decline in economic activity.

Is "stagnation" a negative term?

Yes, "stagnation" generally carries a negative connotation, as it implies a lack of growth, progress, or development, which is often undesirable.