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status quo

/ˈstæɾɪs kwoʊ/
/ˈstætəs kwəʊ/
IPA guide

The status quo is the current state of things. If you are rich and admired, then you’re probably not interested in disrupting the status quo.

Status quo is Latin for "existing state." When we talk about the status quo, however, we often mean it in a slightly bad way. When people want to maintain the status quo, they are often resistant to progress. If you run for mayor of your town and come in to office with all sorts of new ideas, watch out! People may resent you for disrupting the status quo.

Definitions of status quo
  1. noun
    the existing state of affairs
    see moresee less
    type of:
    situation, state of affairs
    the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
Pronunciation
US
/ˈstæɾɪs kwoʊ/
UK
/ˈstætəs kwəʊ/
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