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 Word Forms

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

The formula hasn’t been raised since 1999 to account for inflation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the union argues that, despite the pay rises, resident doctors' pay is still a fifth lower than it was in 2008, once inflation is taken into account.

Read more on BBC

Meanwhile, the prices index expanded at a quicker pace than in October, the data showed, raising potential caution for Federal Reserve policymakers amid inflation concerns.

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That reflects the benefits of stronger growth and Resources acting as a hedge against higher inflation.

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If the anticipated AI-driven productivity gains fail to materialize in the next couple of years, the U.S. could face more inflation, labor challenges, and reduced economic activity.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• boom 
• expansion 
• hike 
• rise