noun
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the act of inflating or state of being inflated
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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
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informal the rate of increase of prices
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of inflation
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; see inflate
Explanation
Think of inflation as expansion, usually from being filled with air, like a balloon. This also refers to rising prices. Think of a balloon puffing up, getting fuller and fuller — that's inflation. The word has a bunch of related meanings. We can say people a little too full of themselves are suffering from inflation: they are full of hot air. When the cost of living is ballooning, that's economic inflation. When the universe was born in the big bang, there was a huge inflation, as matter spread out, creating galaxies, stars, and planets.
Vocabulary lists containing inflation
Human Geography - High School
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Ancient Rome - Introductory
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Western Europe - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inflation is becoming a real problem for consumers, investors and policymakers, and the surge in oil prices is only part of the equation the Federal Reserve must consider for future rate policy.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Inflation expectations steadied in April, but at a level that was much higher than before the war in the Middle East, likely underpinning expectations that the ECB will raise its key interest rate next week.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Inflation has been persistent for the past several months, and there’s little sign it’s letting up anytime soon.
From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026
Inflation has been persistent for the past several months, and there’s little sign it’s letting up anytime soon.
From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026
Inflation was continuing to rise, which meant my-father’s paycheck bought less and less food.
From "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
