stagnant

Stagnant is an adjective meaning not flowing or moving, as in a body of water that lacks current, or more generally inactive or not developing. The term derives from Latin stagnans, present participle of stagnare “to stand still,” passing into English via older forms.

In physical contexts, stagnant refers to liquids or gases with little or no circulation, leading to low oxygen content and potential accumulation of contaminants. Stagnant water can harbor disease vectors such as mosquitoes and may foul quickly; stagnant air can contribute to stuffiness or danger in enclosed spaces. In soils and ecosystems, stagnant conditions can limit gas exchange, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity, affecting plant and aquatic life.

In social, economic, and organizational contexts, stagnant describes activities or growth that fail to progress or innovate. A stagnant economy shows little or no growth over time; stagnant wages indicate flat compensation despite inflation. A stagnant market implies limited investment, product turnover, or consumer demand. Some uses emphasize resilience or persistence rather than decline, though the term commonly carries a negative connotation.

Related terms include stagnation (the noun form), stale, stationary, motionless, inert, and static. The concept is often contrasted with flow, dynamism, or growth. In everyday language, stagnant is most often applied to water, air, or development, but it can also describe processes, conditions, or systems perceived as stuck or unchanging.