# stagnated

/ˈstæɡˌneɪtɪd/ (US) · /stæɡnˈeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stagnated
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to stop growing, changing, or moving forward. You use this when progress or activity has slowed right down or stopped.

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of 'stagnate'; to cease developing, growing, or advancing and remain inactive or unchanged.

## Examples

- Sales stagnate when shops stop trying new ideas.
- After the factory closed, wages in the town stagnated for years.
- After years of rapid growth, the regional economy stagnated as investment dried up and younger workers moved away.

## Synonyms

stall, Plateau

## Antonyms

Grow, advance

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and takes no direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.