stagnant

/ˈstæɡnənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstæɡnənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstag-nənt/ (ame, mw)

stagnant — adjective

  • stagnantpositive
  • more stagnantcomparative
  • most stagnantsuperlative

1. describes water or air that does not move for a long time, so that it becomes di

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes water or air that does not move for a long time, so that it becomes dirty and begins to smell bad

例句

The pond in the park turned stagnant after weeks of hot, dry weather.

Hamza emptied the old flower pots to stop mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.

collocation: stagnant water

同義詞
  • still

    neutral term for unmoving water; does not imply dirt or smell

  • stale

    used specifically for air that smells old or stuffy

  • foul

    emphasises the bad smell rather than the lack of movement

反義詞
  • flowing

    describes water that moves naturally

  • fresh

    describes air or water that is clean and pleasant

用法筆記

Commonly describes bodies of still water (ponds, puddles, blocked drains) or indoor air in spaces with no ventilation.

常見錯誤

❌The river was stagnant after the storm.
✅The pond was stagnant after weeks without rain.
💡Rivers naturally flow; stagnant describes still, unmoving water like ponds or puddles.
❌Food left on the counter became stagnant.
✅Food left on the counter went bad.
💡Stagnant applies to air and water, not to food or objects.

2. failing to show improvement or new activity over a period of time, especially in

2.形容詞B2
釋義

failing to show improvement or new activity over a period of time, especially in business, the economy, or a person's career

例句

The local economy remained stagnant for three years, with no new businesses opening.

collocation: stagnant economy

After five years in the same role, Aoi felt her career had become stagnant.

collocation: stagnant career

同義詞
  • sluggish

    implies slow movement rather than a complete halt; often used for markets or sales

  • static

    emphasises a complete lack of change; more neutral in tone

  • moribund

    formal and stronger; suggests something is close to dying out

反義詞
  • growing

    describes something that is increasing in size or activity

  • dynamic

    suggests continuous positive change and energy

  • thriving

    implies strong health and success

用法筆記

Subject is typically an abstract noun such as economy, market, industry, career, wages, or relationship — things normally expected to show change or growth over time.

常見錯誤

❌He felt stagnant after running for an hour.
✅He felt stagnant in his career after five years without a promotion.
💡Stagnant describes a lack of progress or development, not physical tiredness.