noun
-
the act of inflating or state of being inflated
-
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
-
informal the rate of increase of prices
Other Word Forms
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; see inflate
Explanation
Think of inflation as expansion, usually from being filled with air, like a balloon. This also refers to rising prices. Think of a balloon puffing up, getting fuller and fuller — that's inflation. The word has a bunch of related meanings. We can say people a little too full of themselves are suffering from inflation: they are full of hot air. When the cost of living is ballooning, that's economic inflation. When the universe was born in the big bang, there was a huge inflation, as matter spread out, creating galaxies, stars, and planets.
Vocabulary lists containing inflation
Human Geography - High School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Ancient Rome - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Western Europe - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
TOKYO—Japan’s economy continued to expand during the first quarter of 2026, backing the case for another interest-rate increase as the Middle East conflict raises inflation risks.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
Holding interest rates steady to shield the economy could fuel further currency weakness and accelerate inflation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
Average regular earnings growth fell to 3.4% in the first three months of the year, and was 0.3% higher after inflation was taken into account.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
That has driven up expectations of inflation and interest rates, sending many G7 borrowing costs to multi-decade highs.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
As inflation ate away at their modest government pensions, Elizebeth spent long hours going over their checkbooks, bank records, and tax forms.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
