inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən 

1

: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as

a

: distension

b

: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang

c

: empty pretentiousness : pomposity

2

: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

Synonyms

• affectation
• arrogance
• pretense
• pretension
• vanity
• pretence

Examples of inflation in a Sentence

the inflation of a balloon

The government has been unable to control inflation.

The rate of inflation is high.

Recent Examples on the Web

Home equity and Medicaid Under both chambers, applicants wouldn't qualify for Medicaid if their home equity is valued at more than $1 million, regardless of inflation. —July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025

However, Powell and the Fed are holding back from cutting rates to see the impact of the tariffs on inflation, which has cooled in recent months. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

For instance, supply chain disruptions or rising inflation might impact retention differently across job types, regions, and even individual business units. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 30 June 2025

The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation. —Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inflation

• anti-inflation
• core inflation
• counter-inflation
• grade inflation
• headline inflation

Rhymes for inflation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən 

1

: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated

2

: a continual increase in the price of goods and services