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 Words From

• anti-in·flation noun adjective
• nonin·flation noun
• over·in·flation noun
• rein·flation noun
• self-in·flation 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

Food, beverage and packaging costs were up due to inflation affecting several key ingredients, specifically avocados and dairy.

From Salon

The survey, which examined the workplace lunchtime habits of 5,000 full-time U.S. workers, also found that inflation played a major role in influencing lunch-related decisions.

From Salon

The term, which refers to companies raising prices beyond the rate of inflation, has gained traction as consumers grapple with the soaring cost of groceries and everyday items.

From Salon

"The question sir, was specific to, how are you going to bring down inflation?"

From Salon

The state’s newly created Fast Food Council can also hike up the minimum wage by up to 3.5% yearly, depending on inflation.

From Salon

Related Words

• boom
• expansion
• hike
• rise