Dictionary Entry

stagnant

adjective

Find the meaning of the word stagnant, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.

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Meaning

Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.

Not flowing or moving, often having an unpleasant smell as a result. Also, showing no activity, growth, or development, often implying a lack of progress.

Example Sentence

The stagnant water in the old bird bath became a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so we decided to clean it out.

Usage Note

You can use 'stagnant' to describe water that isn't moving, like in a puddle or pond, which might become dirty or smelly. It can also describe a situation or economy that isn't progressing or changing, suggesting a lack of growth or activity, like a 'stagnant career' or 'stagnant market' where nothing new is happening.