verb

stagnate

/stæɡˈneɪt/ · say it: stag·NAYT

to stop developing or progressing

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to stop developing, improving, or making progress

2. (verb) (of water or air) to stop moving and become still or foul

Examples

1. The economy will stagnate without new investments.
2. Water stagnates in the pond when it doesn't flow.

How to use stagnate

Stagnate describes a cessation of growth, development, or movement, often with negative connotations. It is used both literally for water or air that becomes still and foul-smelling, and figuratively for careers, economies, or personal development that lack progress or improvement. The word suggests a state that is undesirable and often requires intervention.

Common phrases

stagnate economically
stagnate professionally
stagnate in one's career
water stagnates
allow something to stagnate

Synonyms

stall · plateau · languish · decay · deteriorate

Opposites

progress · flourish · advance

Word family

stagnant · stagnation

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse stagnate with stagnant; stagnate is the verb (the market stagnated) while stagnant is the adjective (a stagnant economy).

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