Stagnant

Stagnant describes something that is not flowing, moving, or progressing. It implies a lack of activity, change, or development, often leading to undesirable consequences. Stagnation can refer to physical substances like water or air, indicating they are stale and potentially foul. It can also apply to abstract concepts like economies, ideas, or relationships, suggesting a state of inertia and a failure to advance. A stagnant situation typically requires intervention or external forces to overcome the inertia and initiate movement or growth.

Stagnant meaning with examples

• The pond was completely stagnant, covered in algae and emitting a foul odor, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, indicating a lack of fresh water input and the consequences of prolonged inactivity.
• The company's stagnant sales figures were a major concern for the board; no new products or marketing strategies had been introduced in years, leaving the board worried.
• After years in the same role, his career felt stagnant; he yearned for new challenges and opportunities to develop his skills, making him feel uninspired.
• The political climate became stagnant, with no progress on key issues and widespread apathy among the electorate; the government seemed paralyzed.