Economic stagnation

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Economic stagnation, often called simply stagnation is a prolonged period of slow economic growth (traditionally measured in terms of the GDP growth). By some definitions, "slow" means that it is significantly slower than a potential growth as estimated by experts in macroeconomics. By others, the growth less than 2-3% per year is a sign of stagnation.

The term bears negative connotations, but not always a slowdown of economical growth is a problem. For example, the potential growth may be slowed down, e.g., by catastrophic or demographic reasons.

The notion of stagnation originates in the times of the Great Depression.

Other terms related to economic dynamics are

• Recession
• Stagflation
• Business cycle
• Economic rejuvenation