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 of inflation

• affectation
• arrogance
• pretense
• pretension
• vanity

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

The report indicates fresh momentum in the labor market, a pivotal data point as the Federal Reserve mulls action to tame inflation. — Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026

Global bond yields have been climbing to multiyear highs, amid concerns over elevated energy costs, heavy government borrowing and inflation worries. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

The latest diesel fuel cost increases could also reverse a trend of stabilizing inflation rates for food at home in recent months. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

The combination of elevated inflation and a fairly resilient labor market has raised the chances of an interest rate hike at the Fed's meeting later this month, financial markets show. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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