verb / adjective HSK 5
Traditional 停滯
to stagnate · to be at a standstill · stagnation
Meaning
停滞 describes a state where progress, development, or movement has come to a halt or is moving extremely slowly. It conveys a sense of being stuck without forward momentum, often used in economic, social, or personal development contexts.
Usage
This word carries a negative connotation and is commonly used in formal or written contexts to describe lack of progress in economics, career development, or projects. Native speakers often pair it with words like 经济 (economy), 发展 (development), or 不前 (not moving forward) to emphasize the problematic nature of the standstill.
Examples
- 01由于缺乏创新，这个行业的发展已经停滞了好几年。, .Due to lack of innovation, this industry's development has been stagnant for several years.
- 02如果不改革，国家经济将会陷入停滞。, .If there are no reforms, the national economy will fall into stagnation.
Characters
Common collocations
- 经济停滞economic stagnation
- 停滞不前to stagnate without progress
- 发展停滞development has stagnated
- 陷入停滞to fall into stagnation
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 停 (to stop) with 滞 (to be obstructed or delayed), creating a compound that emphasizes not just stopping but being stuck in an unproductive state.