hyperinflation

American  

[hahy-per-in-fley-shuhn] / ˌhaɪ pər ɪnˈfleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. extreme or excessive inflation.

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hyperinflation British  

/ ˌhaɪpəɪnˈfleɪʃən /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• hyperinflationary adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyperinflation

First recorded in 1925–30; hyper- + inflation

Example Sentences

Ms. Rodríguez recognized that hyperinflation has destroyed Venezuelan living standards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

In the mid-2000s, Zimbabwe underwent a period of hyperinflation that resulted in printing banknotes worth 100 trillion dollars.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

But history is the unseen guest at every table; the country remains haunted by the memory of the hyperinflation that devastated the economy in the 1920s and helped propel the Nazis to power.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

A 60% stock, 40% bond portfolio can temper volatility, declining 39% during 1970s hyperinflation versus 52% for stocks.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and   statist policies, the economy in the late 1980s was plagued with huge   external debts and recurring bouts of hyperinflation.

From The 1994 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Related Words

• devaluation