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

A new constitution enshrined central-bank autonomy and prohibited central-bank financing of government spending that had earlier fueled hyperinflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 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

Some areas face much more dire risks, and could be forced into recession or hyperinflation sooner.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Russian businesses are used to operating without a banking system, or in hyperinflation.

From After the Rain : how the West lost the East by Vaknin, Samuel

Related Words

• devaluation