stagnate

/stæɡˈneɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstæɡneɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstag-ˌnāt/ (ame, mw)

stagnate — verb

  • stagnatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • stagnateshe / she / it
  • stagnatedpast simple
  • stagnating-ing form

1. to reach a point where no further progress, growth, or positive change happens,

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to reach a point where no further progress, growth, or positive change happens, often because of a lack of new ideas, effort, or outside input.

例句

The local economy stagnated after the factory closed, with no new businesses moving in.

collocation: economy stagnates

Without fresh investment in research, the company's product development stagnated for over a year.

collocation: development stagnates

同義詞
  • stall

    suggests a temporary halt that might resume, whereas stagnate implies a longer period of inactivity

  • plateau

    emphasises reaching a stable level after growth, often neutral in tone

  • languish

    stronger negative connotation of suffering or decline alongside the lack of progress

反義詞
  • grow

    general opposite; implies increase in size or importance

  • thrive

    implies active, healthy progress

  • flourish

    suggests rapid, noticeable development

文法句型

stagnate + because / since / after + reason

stagnate + for + duration

用法筆記

Frequently used in journalism and academic writing about economic trends, career development, and political processes. The noun form stagnation is more common in formal written texts.

常見錯誤

❌The economy was stagnated by the recession.
✅The economy stagnated during the recession.
💡stagnate is almost always intransitive; do not use it in the passive voice.

2. when a body of water or a pocket of air stops moving, allowing dirt, bacteria, o

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

when a body of water or a pocket of air stops moving, allowing dirt, bacteria, or unpleasant smells to build up over time.

例句

The water in the pond had stagnated, turning green and giving off an unpleasant smell.

collocation: water stagnates

Air stagnates in rooms that are never opened to let fresh air in, leaving the atmosphere stuffy.

subject: air stagnates in [location]

同義詞
  • become stagnant

    the more common phrasing in everyday language; the verb stagnate is slightly more formal

  • fester

    specifically of organic matter decaying in still conditions, with a stronger focus on rotting

反義詞
  • flow

    direct opposite for liquids; implies continuous movement

  • circulate

    typically used for air; implies movement through a space

文法句型

stagnate + in / under / inside + location

用法筆記

The adjective stagnant is more common than the verb for describing water or air that has already stopped moving. The verb focuses on the process of becoming stagnant.

常見錯誤

❌The water stagnated dirty after the pump broke.
✅The water stagnated after the pump broke and turned dirty.
💡stagnate only describes the process of stopping; use a separate clause to describe the resulting condition.