stagnate Definition
- 1to stop developing or making progress
- 2to become inactive or motionless
Using stagnate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stagnate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The economy has stagnated for the past two years.
Example
Without new ideas, the company will stagnate and eventually fail.
Example
The water in the pond had stagnated and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Example
The team's performance has stagnated since their last victory.
stagnate Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using stagnate
Example
If we don't come up with a new strategy, we'll stagnate like a sitting duck and lose our competitive edge.
to remain inactive and unproductive, often due to lack of inspiration or motivation
Example
After his divorce, he stagnated in the doldrums for months before finally seeking therapy.
to remain inactive and complacent, often due to fear of change or failure
Example
If you want to grow as a person, you can't stagnate in your comfort zone.
Phrases with stagnate
Example
Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Example
Stagnant air can cause health problems, especially for people with respiratory issues.
Example
The country's stagnant economy has led to high unemployment rates.
Origins of stagnate
from Latin 'stagnatum', meaning 'standing water'
Summary: stagnate in Brief
'Stagnate' [ˈstæɡ.neɪt] means to stop developing or making progress, or to become inactive or motionless. It can refer to economies, companies, teams, or even water and air. Phrases like 'stagnant water' and 'stagnant air' describe still, unmoving substances, while idioms like 'stagnate like a sitting duck' and 'stagnate in one's comfort zone' depict people or situations that are inactive and vulnerable or complacent.