deflation

noun

de·​fla·​tion di-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce deflation (audio)
ˌdē-
1
: an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
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
deflationary adjective

Examples of deflation in a Sentence

Economists worry that deflation will bring the country into recession.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China is dealing with entrenched deflation, record youth unemployment, and a real estate market that has halved in just four years. Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 Oct. 2025 China’s consumer prices fell more than expected in September, while the deflation in producer prices persisted, underscoring the impact of sluggish domestic demand and trade worries on consumer and business sentiment. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 This is what Gerli calls deflation. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 But Redd alleges that things took a violent turn, leading to a cycle of hope, followed by deflation, and then shame. Essence, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflation

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflation was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflation. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

deflation

noun
de·​fla·​tion di-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce deflation (audio)
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
deflationary adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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