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

But concerns remain that a shift in policies could affect inflation rates.

From Salon

Economists have warned that such tariffs could drive up consumer prices as companies pass on higher costs, potentially worsening inflation and putting further interest rate cuts on hold.

From Salon

The Peterson Institute for International Economics forecasts that, combined with steep tariffs and mass deportation, these measures could lead to lower national income, reduced employment and inflation rates between 6% and 9.3% by 2026.

From Salon

In a move to boost the economy as inflation cools, the Federal Reserve on Nov. 7 cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points as expected, following a September rate cut.

From Salon

Inflation has already been a major concern for U.S. consumers, reaching a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.

From Salon

Related Words

• boom
• expansion
• hike
• rise