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. See deflation
   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

Still, if there’s any connection at all, then it should ease concerns about inflation.

From Fortune

After adjusting for inflation over two decades, the deal with Cisterra would end up costing about $127 million, according to the city’s independent budget analyst.

From Voice of San Diego

They analyzed how a collapsing universe would change its own structure, and they ultimately discovered that contraction can beat inflation at its own game.

From Quanta Magazine

Its supporters believe a currency’s value should be connected with the amount of gold in reserves as a way to prevent inflation.

From Quartz

California recently capped the amount rent could be raised across the state at 5 percent plus inflation.

From Freakonomics

It raises inflation, since you need more rubles to buy imports.

From The Daily Beast

The penalties are set in stone through 2016, but after that they will remain at $695 per year, plus inflation.

From The Daily Beast

The median household income in inflation-adjusted dollars back in 1987 was… well, what do you think?

From The Daily Beast

A predictable, inflation-adjusted minimum wage would make business planning easier.

From The Daily Beast

With a total of $289 million (adjusted for inflation), it is the highest-grossing silent film of all time.

From The Daily Beast

I candidly answered that I could not see the end of the inflation.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the results of the inflation came with relentless and rapid pace.

From Project Gutenberg

The diagnostic characters were the length and breadth of the rostrum and the relatively great inflation of the auditory bullae.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the stress of war, this process of credit inflation has been growing like the genii let out of the bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

And do not let anybody fool you for a single second by talking about "fiat money" and "inflation of the currency."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boom
• expansion
• hike
• rise