plateau
Reach a stable level after growth, with no further increase
Examples
In a meeting
“Our sales have plateaued over the last quarter.”
Over coffee
“My weight loss plateaued after the first month.”
Why this word
level off
plateau is a noun describing the flat state itself, while level off is a verb describing the action of reaching that state
stagnate
plateau is neutral about whether flatness is good or bad, while stagnate implies negative lack of progress
stabilize
plateau emphasizes reaching a flat maximum after growth, while stabilize just means becoming steady at any level
Usage tip
Describes when progress stops after advancement, different from decline or stagnation from the start
Etymology
French 'plateau' (flat surface, tableland) from Old French 'platel' (flat)
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Related words
benchmark
A standard or point of reference for measuring or comparing performance.
expand
To make something larger, more extensive, or more detailed
approximate
Estimate or come close to an accurate figure or description
traction
The extent to which an idea or product gains acceptance
gauge
To estimate or assess the extent or nature of something
proliferate
To increase rapidly in number; multiply