inflation

American  

[in-fley-shuhn] / ɪnˈfleɪ ʃən /

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.

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inflation British  

/ 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

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inflation Cultural  

1. A general increase in prices.

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Other Word Forms

• anti-inflation noun
• noninflation noun
• overinflation noun
• reinflation noun
• self-inflation noun

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; inflate

Example Sentences

Thomas Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, said that as the inflation rate has fallen, the Fed has been bringing interest rates back down toward neutral levels.

From The Wall Street Journal

They debated whether to define Warsh as an inflation “hawk” — that is, pressing for higher interest rates to keep inflation in check — or a “dove” — advocating lower rates to spur economic growth.

From Los Angeles Times

While price increases have helped PepsiCo offset inflation, the increases have become harder to sustain as consumers grow more selective and trade down to cheaper alternatives.

From Barron's

Commodities provide psychological safety during times of high interest rates, inflation worries, currency concerns and/or geopolitical unrest, providing diversification and acting as a psychological safe place for some investors during volatile periods.

From MarketWatch

“The greatest risks to look out for the equities from here is cost inflation, capital misallocation, or expropriation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• boom
• expansion
• hike
• rise