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.
Entrepreneurs who double down on their natural talents create unstoppable momentum, while those constantly patching weak areas stagnate. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Some of the challenges include addressing division within the country about issues like migration, geopolitical tensions around defense spending and trade, a stagnating economy and keeping the ruling coalition united and in line. Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 7 May 2025 Critics believe player development will stagnate and that lowered stakes will impact the integrity of Mexican soccer. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Buprenorphine can stop cravings for opioids, yet its uptake in the U.S. has stagnated. Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stagnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnate. Accessed 4 Jun. 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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