stagnates

Stagnates is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb stagnate. Stagnate means to cease to develop, grow, or progress; to become or cause to become stagnant. The verb is typically intransitive, as in "the economy stagnates" or "pond water stagnates when there is little movement." Transitive uses exist but are less common and can feel awkward, for example "stagnates the growth of the market."

In economics and public policy, stagnation refers to a period of minimal or no growth in key indicators such as GDP, employment, or productivity. A stagnating economy may experience low inflation, high unemployment, or reduced investment. In environmental science and water management, stagnant water describes bodies with little or no circulation, which can lead to lower dissolved oxygen, poor water quality, foul odors, and algal or bacterial growth. The term is also used metaphorically to describe processes, organizations, or regions that fail to adapt or improve over time.

Origin and related terms: stagnate derives from Latin stagnare 'to stand still', from stagnus 'standing water'. Related forms include stagnation, stagnant, and stagnancy. Common phrases include economic stagnation, stagnating growth, and stagnant pools. The concept contrasts with movement, progress, and growth, and it is often discussed in contexts that emphasize resilience, adaptation, and reform.