flatline

noun

1. An asystole; the absence of heart contractions or brain waves.
2. An asystole; the absence of heart contractions or brain waves.

   “When brain function ceases, the electroencephalogram shows flatline recordings.”

3. (also, figuratively)An unchanging state, as indicated in a graph of a variable over time.

   “Thus, you hear words like "flatline recession," "improvement at a greatly reduced rate," "economic hiccup," "recessionette," "rolling readjustment" and "the economy is double clutching."”

4. A line that is run low to the water from the rod tip, generally off a release clip of some type.

verb

1. (intransitive)To stop beating.
2. (broadly, intransitive)To die.
3. (slang, transitive)To kill.

   “If looks could kill, Mona's sharp gaze would have flatlined him in one second.”

   “After all she'd been through, she needed sleep and food to heal, not endure a lovemaking session that was so passionate that it had pretty much flatlined him as well.”

4. (informal, transitive)To remain at the same level, without development; or, to fall.

   “The economy in Northern Ireland is flatlining and jobs are scarce.”

   “But passenger numbers have since recovered to only 85% of pre-March 2020 levels, and growth has flatlined.”

5. To experience significantly decreased rates of change compared to previous rates of change.

   “Upon upload, the video got 1,000 views/day for the first week, then flatlined and started getting fewer than ten views/day.”

6. (intransitive)To fish using a flatline.