Flatlined

Flatlined describes a state of no change, stagnation, or a complete lack of activity, often used in medical contexts to indicate a cessation of vital signs, particularly in the context of an electrocardiogram (ECG) showing a straight, horizontal line, indicating a complete absence of electrical activity in the heart. However, the term has also broadened to encompass any situation where something ceases to function or shows a complete absence of progress or improvement. It can depict a decline to a stable, stagnant state or a precipitous drop in levels or measurements.

Flatlined meaning with examples

• The patient's heart monitor suddenly flatlined, sending the medical team into immediate action to attempt resuscitation, with the urgency of the situation palpable in the room. The attending physician immediately called for the crash cart to be brought in. The nurse began chest compressions and the doctor prepared to defibrillate.
• After years of steady growth, the company's profits flatlined, signaling the need for drastic changes to boost sales and regain market share. The board of directors met to discuss their options as they saw their business slipping behind. They knew they would soon have to take action or the company could fall.
• The country's economy flatlined due to a crippling recession, with unemployment soaring and consumer spending plummeting across almost all sectors. Inflation was on the rise and there was no end in sight. The government was forced to take strong action to try and help its population.
• During the heat of the argument, her voice flatlined, conveying a sudden withdrawal and an unspoken end to the discussion. In her mind she was done, but to him, she was just getting started. The abrupt change of tone left him with no idea what to do next, unable to speak.
• The musician's creative output flatlined following his personal loss, leading to a period of writer's block and uncertainty about his future. He felt drained of all creativity, finding no inspiration in his life. He started attending therapy hoping to pull himself out of the funk.