flatline
verb
flat·line
ˈflat-ˌlīn 
flatlined; flatlining; flatlines
1
a
: to register on an electronic monitor as having no brain waves or heartbeat
b
: die
2
a
: to be in a state of no progress or advancement
b
: to come to an end
flatliner
noun
Synonyms
Examples of flatline in a Sentence
the patient was fading fast, and doctors expected him to flatline before the night was over
Recent Examples on the Web
After mostly trending up for years, workplace engagement has flatlined.
—
Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2024
On a monthly basis, costs edged down 0.1% after flatlining in the previous month.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
Although the company has managed to offset the threat to its core business with the growth in its clinical segment, even this has now flatlined — calling into question the company’s outlook, Feather said.
—Hakyung Kim,fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 July 2024
Real wages have flatlined for a decade — the U.K.’s average salary is just 29,669 pounds (about $38,000) — and prices have spiraled for utilities and food.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for flatline 
Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2024
On a monthly basis, costs edged down 0.1% after flatlining in the previous month.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
Although the company has managed to offset the threat to its core business with the growth in its clinical segment, even this has now flatlined — calling into question the company’s outlook, Feather said.
—Hakyung Kim,fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 July 2024
Real wages have flatlined for a decade — the U.K.’s average salary is just 29,669 pounds (about $38,000) — and prices have spiraled for utilities and food.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for flatline
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flatline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near flatline
Cite this Entry
“Flatline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatline. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
flatline
intransitive verb
flat·line
ˈflat-ˌlīn
flatlined; flatlining
1
: to register on an electronic monitor as having no heartbeat or brain waves : to experience cessation of heart contractions or brain wave activity as indicated by a flat line on a electrocardiogram or electroencephalogram
I flatlined on the operating table, but Dr. Bunsom managed to revive me.—Alison Wright, Yoga Journal
Alison Wright, Yoga JournalHe used to be ill quite a bit as a younger child, and his heart flatlined four times before he was 6.—Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World
Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World2
: die entry 1
But just because death is expected doesn't mean it's any less depressing when the patient finally flatlines.—Phil Taylor, Sports Illustrated
Phil Taylor, Sports IllustratedLove words? Need even more definitions?
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