inflation

American  

[in-fley-shuhn] / ɪnˈfleɪ ʃən /

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.

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inflation British  

/ 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

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inflation Cultural  

1. A general increase in prices.

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Other Word Forms

• anti-inflation noun
• noninflation noun
• overinflation noun
• reinflation noun
• self-inflation noun

Etymology

Origin of inflation

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

Entrenched inflation and higher prices on major necessities have pushed many families closer to the financial edge, or locked them out of homeownership.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Last year, the International Monetary Fund described the economy as "robust" with a growth rate of almost 8% and low inflation.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Experts say its cost will rise further -- with a knock-on effect on inflation -- as long as trade through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

That can be bad for stocks in the near term, but over decades, companies that make and sell valuable things are the best vehicle for beating inflation.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

I bounced the ball slowly three times, keeping the inflation hole up.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman

Related Words

• boom
• expansion
• hike
• rise