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

My salary has been compressed by decades of raises well below inflation and stagnant institutional pay scales. — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

With no end to the war in sight, inflation on the rise, fuel rationing and continued threats of strikes, the vast majority of the Iranian population appear not to be players, but pawns. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 14 Aug. 2026

Mike Blake/Reuters, FILE Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in nearly four weeks as relief for oil prices and fresh inflation data ripple through financial markets, according to Mortgage News Daily (MND). — Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

The huge profit gains on Wall Street contrast with a real economy marked by meager job growth, wage growth trailing inflation for four straight months, and stagnant homebuilding. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 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