inflation

[ in-fley-shuhn ]

noun

1. Economics. a persistent, substantial rise in the general level of prices related to an increase in the volume of money and resulting in the loss of value of currency ( deflation ).
2. the act of inflating.
3. the state of being inflated. inflated.

inflation

/ ɪnˈfleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of inflating or state of being inflated
2. economics a progressive increase in the general level of prices brought about by an expansion in demand or the money supply ( demand-pull inflation ) or by autonomous increases in costs ( cost-push inflation ) Compare deflation
3. informal.
   the rate of increase of prices

inflation

1. A general increase in prices.

Other Words From

• anti-in·flation noun adjective
• nonin·flation noun
• over·in·flation noun
• rein·flation noun
• self-in·flation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English inflacio(u)n, from Latin inflātiōn-, stem of inflātiō, equivalent to inflāt(us), past participle of inflāre “to blow on or into, puff out” + -iō -ion; inflate

Example Sentences

Much remains to be seen in terms of what tariffs will be implemented and how these will affect inflation, corporate profits, the labor market and other factors.

From Salon

In a preliminary decision, Ofwat said it would allow bill rises of 21% above inflation, which the shareholders did not accept.

From BBC

It also comes at a key time for millions of Americans, as elevated grocery prices and persistent inflation have exacerbated food insecurity across the country.

From Salon

Burghart raised a laugh on the Tory benches with a jibe about "real economists", as he accused the government of "stoking" inflation.

From BBC

The Conservatives have accused the government of "stoking inflation", after price rises hit their highest rate for six months.

From BBC

Related Words

• boom
• expansion
• hike
• rise