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

And they’re still frustrated by persistent inflation, giving them little confidence that the economy will improve soon.

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While there’s not much surprise to the numbers, which essentially inch up to account for inflation, you can start to cement a plan now for your future income and the taxes you pay.

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In addition, a report from the University of Michigan showed Americans have soured on the prospects of finding new work and are frustrated by inflation.

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Consumers’ inflation anxiety remains elevated, but hasn’t worsened in October, the Michigan survey showed.

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Markets across Asia will focus on monetary policy signals and key data releases that could shape the region’s growth and inflation outlook.

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Related Words

• boom 
• expansion 
• hike 
• rise