status quo

noun

: the existing state of affairs
seeks to preserve the status quo

Examples of status quo in a Sentence

He is content with the status quo and does not like change. civic leaders who are afraid to do anything that might change the town's status quo
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In other words, a woman taking her own picture on her own terms is not enough to disrupt the patriarchal status quo. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024 The elections highlighted a critical transformation: support for sovereignty and independence is at an all-time high, signaling a challenge to the colonial status quo. Javier A Hernandez, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 Sitcoms depend on setting and resetting their status quo, sending their characters out on new adventures in each episode while always returning to the same familiar premise. Katie Rife, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024 This generation isn’t afraid to challenge status quos or ask hard questions about a company’s ethical practices. Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for status quo 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, state in which

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of status quo was in 1719

Dictionary Entries Near status quo

Cite this Entry

“Status quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/status%20quo. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

status quo

noun
sta·​tus quo
ˌstāt-ə-ˈskwō,
ˌstat-
: the way things are now
chose to keep the status quo rather than make changes

Legal Definition

status quo

noun
: the existing state of affairs
specifically : the last actual and uncontested state of affairs that preceded a controversy and that is to be preserved by preliminary injunction compare status quo ante
Etymology

Latin, state in which

More from Merriam-Webster on status quo

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