plateau

The definition of a plateau is high, flat ground or a situation were something has stalled that was progressing forward previously.

(verb)

An example of plateau is when a project stalls and can't move forward because decisions cannot be made.

A plateau is high, flat ground or a situation were something has stalled that was progressing forward previously.

(noun)

An example of a plateau is a high, flat field.
An example of a plateau is a situation where no progress is being made on a project while you await funding approval.

See plateau in Webster's New World College Dictionary

an elevated tract of more or less level land; tableland; mesa
a period, level, etc. of relative stability, or relatively little change, as can be shown by a flat extent on a graph, etc.; specif., a period in which an individual's learning rate does not improve

Origin: Fr < OFr platel, dim. < plat: see plate

intransitive verb

to become relatively stable or constant, as in position

See plateau in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. pla·teaus or pla·teaux (-tōzˈ)

An elevated, comparatively level expanse of land; a tableland.
A relatively stable level, period, or state: Mortgage rates declined, then reached a plateau.

intransitive verb pla·teaued, pla·teau·ing, pla·teaus

To reach a stable level; level off: “The tension seemed to grow by degrees, then it plateaued” (Tom Clancy).

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from Old French platel, platter

Origin: , from plat, flat; see plate

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plateau synonyms

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