deflation

[dih-fley-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of deflating or the state of being deflated.

2. Economics.,  a fall in the general price level or a contraction of credit and available money (inflation ).

3. the erosion of sand, soil, etc., by the action of the wind.

deflation

/ dɪˈfleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of deflating or state of being deflated

2. economics a reduction in the level of total spending and economic activity resulting in lower levels of output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices Compare disinflation

3. geology the removal of loose rock material, sand, and dust by the wind

deflation

1. The lifting and removal of fine, dry particles of silt, soil, and sand by the wind. Deflation is common in deserts and in coastal areas that have sand dunes.

deflation

1. A decrease in prices, often stated as an increase in the value of money, related to a decline in spending by consumers. (Compare inflation.)

Other Word Forms

• deflationist noun
• deflationary adjective
• deflationism noun
• nondeflation noun
• nondeflationary adjective
• self-deflation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflation¹

First recorded in 1890–95; deflate + -ion

Example Sentences

“It’s too early to assume that deflation is no longer a concern,” Takaichi said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Despite today’s hold, we think further rate cuts are likely as the central bank tries to boost growth and ward off the threat of deflation,” said Gareth Leather, senior Asia economist at Capital Economics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Not a few investors have learned to build in a standard deflation factor to bring these projections closer to reality or plausibility.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"I remember the deflation," Eze says about the knockbacks he received as he tried to find his way in the game.

Read more on BBC

"As they lose weight they start to notice deflation and some sagging of their face," she said.

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Related Words

• bankruptcy 
• collapse 
• decline 
• downturn 
• hard times www.thesaurus.com
• inflation 
• shakeout 
• slide 
• slump 
• stagnation 
• unemployment