status quo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; common in academic, political, journalistic, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “status quo” mean?
The existing state of affairs, particularly in social or political contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The existing state of affairs, particularly in social or political contexts; the current situation.
Often used to refer to the established order, system, or condition that people may either accept or seek to change. It implies a state of stability or inertia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in meaning and frequency. The term is a direct Latin borrowing used similarly in all major varieties of English.
Connotations
Slightly more frequent in British political discourse, but equally common in American academic and business writing.
Frequency
High frequency in formal registers in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “status quo” in a Sentence
V + the status quo (e.g., maintain, challenge)Adj + status quo (e.g., political status quo, economic status quo)Prep + the status quo (e.g., a threat to the status quo, a return to the status quo)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “status quo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The board voted to status-quo the current policy, much to the dismay of reformers.
- (Note: 'status-quo' as a verb is extremely rare and stylistically creative.)
American English
- The committee's report effectively status-quoed the proposal, leaving no room for innovation.
- (Note: This verb use is non-standard and highly formal/creative.)
adverb
British English
- The team proceeded status quo, making no changes to the original plan.
- (Note: Adverbial use is rare and stylistically marked.)
American English
- They decided to continue status quo until further data was available.
- (Note: This usage is informal and typically found in business jargon.)
adjective
British English
- He has a status-quo mentality, always favouring the familiar over the new.
- The status-quo arguments were persuasive to the more conservative members.
American English
- Their status-quo attitude is hindering progress on the renovation project.
- We need to move beyond status-quo thinking to solve this crisis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to existing market conditions, organisational structures, or operational processes that stakeholders may wish to preserve or alter.
Academic
Used in political science, sociology, and history to analyse power structures, social stability, and resistance to change.
Everyday
Less common in casual conversation, but used when discussing societal norms, workplace habits, or family traditions.
Technical
In law, refers to the existing state of affairs before a legal action or dispute.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “status quo”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “status quo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “status quo”
- Using without the definite article 'the' (incorrect: 'change status quo'; correct: 'change the status quo')
- Mispronouncing 'quo' as /kəʊ/ instead of /kwəʊ/
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'status quos' is very rare and stylistically marked).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost invariably. The standard form is 'the status quo'. Omitting the article is a common error.
Rarely. The plural 'status quos' or 'statuses quo' is sometimes seen in very formal or academic writing, but it is stylistically marked. It is usually treated as an uncountable noun referring to a general state.
It comes directly from Latin, meaning 'the state in which'. The full original phrase is 'status quo ante bellum', meaning 'the state in which before the war', used in diplomatic contexts.
It is context-dependent but often carries a neutral-to-negative connotation, especially when used by those advocating for change. It can imply stagnation, complacency, or an unjust existing system. However, it can be neutral when simply describing a current state.
The existing state of affairs, particularly in social or political contexts.
Status quo is usually formal; common in academic, political, journalistic, and business contexts. in register.
Status quo: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪ.təs ˈkwəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪ.t̬əs ˈkwoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rock the boat (informal synonym for challenging the status quo)”
- “stick to the beaten path (informal for maintaining the status quo)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STATUS' as your current social standing and 'QUO' as in 'quota'—what you currently have or are allotted in the existing system.
Conceptual Metaphor
The status quo is often conceptualised as a STABLE OBJECT (to be maintained or defended) or an OBSTACLE (to be overcome or changed).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'status quo' correctly?