status quo

[ kwoh ]

noun

1. the existing state or condition.

status quo

/ kwəʊ /

noun

1. the status quo
   the existing state of affairs

status quo

1. The existing order of things; present customs, practices, and power relations: “People with money are often content with the status quo.” From Latin , meaning “the state in which.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of status quo¹

First recorded in 1825–35, status quo is from Latin status quō literally, “state in which”

Word History and Origins

Origin of status quo¹

literally: the state in which

Idioms and Phrases

The existing condition or state of affairs, as in We don't want to admit more singers to the chorus; we like the status quo . This term, Latin for “state in which,” has been used in English since the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

For example, in a scenario requiring use of more water-efficient irrigation technologies, water pumped is only 5% lower than for the status quo scenario, offering only minor improvements.

From Science Daily

But, of course, it's only in the delusional alternative universe where Republicans live that the "status quo" is a space where victims of sexual violence typically see justice.

From Salon

He knew he would be upsetting some of those who benefit from the murky status quo when the $20bn project began.

From BBC

"They are persons who will shake up the status quo," House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

From BBC

In California, voters chose to keep the status quo, allowing “involuntary servitude” to remain legal in prisons.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• state of affairs
• status