headline inflation

noun

economics

: a measure of inflation that is based on an unadjusted price index

… but core inflation has indeed been a much more reliable guide than headline inflation, which fluctuates wildly.

—Paul Krugman

compare core inflation

Examples of headline inflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Fed will likely look through volatility in headline inflation and focus on easing core services inflation as justification for remaining on hold in September. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

But the Fed has hawkish dissenters, the long end carries fiscal supply risk that the front end doesn't, and headline inflation is still above target. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

And headline inflation captures lived experience in a way core measures do not, roughly speaking. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Declining gas prices will likely pull down headline inflation next month, yet measures of underlying inflation remain stubbornly elevated and will be a concern for the Fed. — Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for headline inflation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization