stasis

American  

[stey-sis, stas-is] / ˈsteɪ sɪs, ˈstæs ɪs /

noun

plural

stases

1. the state of equilibrium or inactivity caused by opposing equal forces.

2. Pathology. stagnation in the flow of any of the fluids of the body, as of the blood in an inflamed area or the intestinal contents proximal to an obstruction.

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stasis British  

/ ˈsteɪsɪs /

noun

1. pathol a stagnation in the normal flow of bodily fluids, such as the blood or urine

2. literature a state or condition in which there is no action or progress; static situation

   dramatic stasis

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Etymology

Origin of stasis

1735–45; < Greek stásis state of standing, equivalent to sta- (stem of histánai to make stand; stand ) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

That means Americans without stable, full-time work are locked out of a job market that has settled into a low-hire, low-fire stasis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

So the stasis, i.e., inactive equilibrium, will remain.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

“But this would seem to suggest that kind of stasis is now changing to more direct action on the part of companies, and that’s going to make jobs more precarious.”

From MarketWatch • Oct. 28, 2025

The James Cameron-directed sequel brings Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley out of stasis after 57 years to face off with the critters once again.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2025

The glacial water seeps into my boots, and suddenly I feel like I am back in my pod on the first day on the ship, stasis gel flowing over me.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera