WordValestagnant
not moving; showing no activity
In more detail
1. (adjective) not flowing or moving; still and often dirty or smelly
2. (adjective) showing little change or improvement; inactive or dull
Examples
- 1. The stagnant water in the pond was covered with algae.
- 2. The economy has been stagnant for the past year with no growth.
How to use stagnant
Stagnant describes both literal physical stillness (water that doesn't flow and becomes foul) and figurative lack of progress or vitality (economies, careers, relationships). It carries a negative connotation in both senses, implying an undesirable state that should ideally be changed or improved. The word is common in environmental, economic, and personal development contexts.
Common phrases
- stagnant water
- stagnant air
- stagnant economy
- stagnant market
- stagnant period
- stagnant growth
Synonyms
static · motionless · sluggish · dormant · inactive
Opposites
flowing · dynamic · active
Word family
stagnate (verb) · stagnation (noun) · stagnancy (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse stagnant with static; static can be neutral or descriptive, while stagnant implies negativity and deterioration rather than simply being unchanging.
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