deflation
noun
de·fla·tion
di-ˈflā-shən 
ˌdē-
2
: a contraction in the volume of available money or credit that results in a general decline in prices
3
: the erosion of soil by the wind
Examples of deflation in a Sentence
Economists worry that deflation will bring the country into recession.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Scarecrow is the Midwestern farmer, put upon by falling prices, and the Tin Man is the industrial worker whose wages are also falling, impacted by deflation associated with the Gold Standard.
—
David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
Beyond its trade disputes with the US, China is grappling with huge domestic economic challenges, including the risk of deflation, persistently high unemployment, and a mountain of debt.
—semafor.com, 14 Nov. 2025
In September, the decline in China’s factory-gate prices, a gauge of deflation, extended into the 36th straight month, though the drop has narrowed following Beijing’s attempt in recent months to rein in price competition in certain sectors.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Rather than forcing lopsided trade deals on allies and friends, Washington would do better to organize a common message to Chinese leaders that a business model that fuels deflation at home and anger abroad is untenable.
—Christopher Smart, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflation
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David McWilliams, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025
Beyond its trade disputes with the US, China is grappling with huge domestic economic challenges, including the risk of deflation, persistently high unemployment, and a mountain of debt.
—semafor.com, 14 Nov. 2025
In September, the decline in China’s factory-gate prices, a gauge of deflation, extended into the 36th straight month, though the drop has narrowed following Beijing’s attempt in recent months to rein in price competition in certain sectors.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Rather than forcing lopsided trade deals on allies and friends, Washington would do better to organize a common message to Chinese leaders that a business model that fuels deflation at home and anger abroad is untenable.
—Christopher Smart, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deflation
Cite this Entry
“Deflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflation. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deflation
noun
de·fla·tion
di-ˈflā-shən
ˈdē-
1
: an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
2
: a reduction in the volume of available money or credit resulting in a decline of the general price level
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