plateau
UK: ˈplætəʊ | US: plæˈtoʊ
n. 1. A large flat area of land that is higher than the surrounding land.
n. 2. A period or state of little or no growth or decline (e.g., in progress or development).
The word "plateau" entered English from French in the 18th century, derived from the Old French "platel" (a diminutive of "plat," meaning "flat"). The French term traces back to the Vulgar Latin *plattus ("flat"), likely influenced by Greek "platus" (broad, flat). The "-eau" suffix is characteristic of French nouns. The word originally described physical geography but later metaphorically extended to stagnation in progress.
The hikers reached a vast plateau after climbing the steep mountain.
Economic growth has hit a plateau this quarter.
The Tibetan Plateau is often called the "Roof of the World."
Her weight loss stalled when she reached a plateau.
The research team's progress plateaued after initial breakthroughs.