deflation

[ dih-fley-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of deflating or the state of being deflated.
2. Economics. a fall in the general price level or a contraction of credit and available money ( inflation ). Compare disinflation.
3. the erosion of sand, soil, etc., by the action of the wind.

deflation

/ dɪˈfleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of deflating or state of being deflated
2. economics a reduction in the level of total spending and economic activity resulting in lower levels of output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices Compare disinflation
3. geology the removal of loose rock material, sand, and dust by the wind

deflation

/ dĭ-flā′shən /

1. The lifting and removal of fine, dry particles of silt, soil, and sand by the wind. Deflation is common in deserts and in coastal areas that have sand dunes.

deflation

1. A decrease in prices, often stated as an increase in the value of money, related to a decline in spending by consumers . ( Compare inflation .)

Derived Forms

• deˈflationist, nounadjective
• deˈflationary, adjective

Other Words From

• de·flation·ary adjective
• de·flation·ism noun
• de·flation·ist noun adjective
• nonde·flation noun
• nonde·flation·ary adjective
• self-de·flation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflation¹

First recorded in 1890–95; deflate + -ion

Example Sentences

The political system was indeed thoroughly corrupt, and the economy was a system of mass deprivation marked by financial crises, endless deflation, agricultural mismanagement, mechanized industrial cruelty, and child labor.

From Slate

But “deflation” like the last day of high school?

From Los Angeles Times

Was there any feeling of deflation after you wrapped “Schitt’s Creek” and thought, “We’re not coming back next year to do this again.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Prices will come down and come down dramatically and come down fast,” he added, specifying that deflation — a term he refrained from using himself — would happen across the economy.

From Salon

“The way to bring about deflation would be to create a massive recession. That would cause businesses to start cutting prices,” Wolfers said.

From Salon

Related Words

• bankruptcy
• collapse
• decline
• downturn
• hard times
• inflation
• shakeout
• slide
• slump
• stagnation
• unemployment