not going anywhere or making progress

stagnant

adjective|/ˈstæɡ.nənt/

Not moving, growing, or developing

Examples

In a meeting

Sales have been stagnant for three quarters now.

Over coffee

I feel stagnant in my current routine and need a change.

Why this word

still

Stagnant implies lack of movement causing deterioration, while still simply means motionless

inactive

Stagnant suggests harmful lack of progress or flow, while inactive only means not active

slow

Stagnant means completely stopped with negative effects, while slow indicates reduced but continuing movement

Usage tip

Use to describe lack of progress, growth, or movement in situations that should be dynamic

Etymology

Latin: stagnare (to form a pool of standing water)

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