stagflation

American  

[stag-fley-shuhn] / stægˈfleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an inflationary period accompanied by rising unemployment and lack of growth in consumer demand and business activity.

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stagflation British  

/ stæɡˈfleɪʃən /

noun

1. a situation in which inflation is combined with stagnant or falling output and employment

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stagflation Cultural  

1. An economic phenomenon of the late 1960s and 1970s characterized by sluggish economic growth and high inflation. The word is a blend of stagnation and inflation.

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Etymology

Origin of stagflation

First recorded in 1965–70; stag(nation) ( def. ) + (in)flation

Example Sentences

“The longer this goes on for the more it looks like a 1970s stagflation environment with inflation moving higher and remaining higher,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“However, a longer conflict and tighter oil markets point to a stagflation squeeze.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Bond markets are selling off, with 2-year note yields topping 4%, signaling stagflation concerns.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Higher energy prices have the potential to cause stagflation —a lethal combination of higher inflation and lower growth that would likely undermine businesses’ bottom lines.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Our object of study, stagflation, can be rephrased by observing that the Phillipscurve apparently has shifted to a higher and unfavourable position.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas