inflationary spiral

American  

noun

Economics.

1. spiral7

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inflationary spiral British  

noun

1. the situation in which price and income increases may each induce further rises in the other

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Etymology

Origin of inflationary spiral

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

While the risk of a rapid inflationary spiral in France remains limited—given subdued price growth before the conflict began—a prolonged war is only expected to worsen the country’s economic and financial instability, further undermining confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

In normal times, the Fed won’t change its interest rate policy based on higher energy prices, which tend to fade without causing an inflationary spiral.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

That began to change in 1950, when the process of paying for war expenses had triggered an inflationary spiral.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

Barcelona, stung by the loss of Neymar, quickly found itself trapped in an inflationary spiral.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2022

Devaluation of its Francophone currency by 50% in January 1994 did not set off an expected inflationary spiral but the government must continue to keep a tight reign on spending and wage increases.

From The 1995 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency