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

Meanwhile, Eurozone bond yields fell on Monday as progress on peace talks over the weekend eased traders’ concerns over inflation and reduced expectations of central bank rate hikes. —Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 25 May 2026

One of the ways inflation can damage the economy is by prompting politicians to buy into economic delusions in response. —Editorial Board, Washington Post, 24 May 2026

Mortgage rates hit a nine month peak, inflation is up, earnings at big box stores like Walmart are up, in part because people from across the income spectrum are being drawn to low prices right now. —CBS News, 24 May 2026

This is a lagging, realized inflation measure. —Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 24 May 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