stagnant

/ˈstægnənt/

/ˈstægnɪnt/

Other forms: stagnantly

There is a tone to the word stagnant that sounds like what it is: lacking movement, stale, and inactive, especially with exaggerated pronunciation, "staaaagnant."

Stagnant came into use in the 17th century as a description for water or air that wasn't moving or circulating, like in a scum-covered pond or a closed-off room. Often things that are stagnant also have a smell from sitting too long in one place. Not that this happens to everyone, but sitting in front of a TV playing video games without moving more than the fingers can make a person stagnant, sometimes with an accompanying odor.

Definitions of stagnant

1. adjective

   not growing or changing; without force or vitality
   synonyms: moribund

   adynamic, undynamic

   characterized by an absence of force or forcefulness
2. adjective

   not circulating or flowing
   “stagnant water”

   synonyms: dead

   standing

   (of fluids) not moving or flowing