hyperinflation

[ hahy-per-in-fley-shuhn ]

noun

1. extreme or excessive inflation.

hyperinflation

/ ˌhaɪpəɪnˈfleɪʃən /

noun

1. extremely high inflation, usually over 50 per cent per month, often involving social disorder Also calledgalloping inflation

Other Words From

• hyper·in·flation·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyperinflation¹

First recorded in 1925–30; hyper- + inflation

Example Sentences

It is unclear exactly how many Zimbabweans are in Botswana, but thousands have been coming back and forth since Zimbabwe's economy imploded because of hyperinflation two decades ago.

From BBC

Most voters cited his victories over left-wing insurgents and hyperinflation as the reason for giving him their support.

From BBC

Though this shock therapy brought great hardship for ordinary Peruvians, it ended rampant hyperinflation and paved the way for sustained economic growth in the second half of the 1990s.

From BBC

Hyperinflation ran at more than 2,000%, the Maoist insurgency called Sendero Luminoso, or Shining Path, controlled half the country, Peru had suspended payments on its foreign debt and the country produced more coca, the base material of cocaine, than any other country.

From Los Angeles Times

As daunting as hyperinflation was when he took office, so was the breakdown in security and the growing strength of the Shining Path guerrilla group, which embraced Maoism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• devaluation