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
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
Productivity has been flatlining to Victorian-era lows, and sickness is the top reason people stay out of the labor force.
—
Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 21 Mar. 2025
Industrywide hiring has flatlined, and analysts expect brick-and-mortar operators to close more locations this year.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2025
Growth had been a fact of life in California and San Diego for decades, but the region's population flatlined in recent years as the high cost of living forced people out and challenged leaders to tell a new story of the local economy.
—Andrew Keatts, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
The Electric State, which boasts quite a sprawling cast of big names including Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown, is flatlining with critics (17%) but audiences seem to be enjoying the post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie a lot more (69%) and it’s bound to be a big hit on Netflix.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flatline
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Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 21 Mar. 2025
Industrywide hiring has flatlined, and analysts expect brick-and-mortar operators to close more locations this year.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2025
Growth had been a fact of life in California and San Diego for decades, but the region's population flatlined in recent years as the high cost of living forced people out and challenged leaders to tell a new story of the local economy.
—Andrew Keatts, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
The Electric State, which boasts quite a sprawling cast of big names including Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown, is flatlining with critics (17%) but audiences seem to be enjoying the post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie a lot more (69%) and it’s bound to be a big hit on Netflix.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flatline
Cite this Entry
“Flatline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatline. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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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