hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion ˌhī-pər-in-ˈflā-shən 

: extreme or excessive inflation: such as

a

: excessive distension with air or gas

hyperinflation of the lungs

b

: extreme economic inflation with prices rising at a very high rate in a very short time

But the policy also fueled hyperinflation that experts say left Iran's economy weaker in the long run.

—Ramin Mostaghim

also : a period of such inflation

While every company may employ any of a variety of cash investment options during hyperinflation, every successful company has one policy in common …

—Gerald Swanson

hyperinflationary

ˌhī-pər-in-ˈflā-shə-ˌnər-ē 

adjective

Examples of hyperinflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To cover growing deficits, the government printed money, leading to hyperinflation that reached over 130,000% in 2018, effectively rendering the national currency worthless. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026

With a monthly inflation rate of under ten percent, Iran is still a long way from the kind of hyperinflation—typified by monthly inflation of over 50 percent—that will make the government’s strategy untenable. — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026

In the wake of hyperinflation and economic collapse, Alberto Fujimori came to power in Peru in 1990. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Like many Latin American countries during this period, Bolivia struggled with hyperinflation, rising foreign debt, and declining revenues from commodity exports, particularly the collapse of the tin-mining industry. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hyperinflation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion -in-ˈflā-shən 

: inflation that increases very quickly over a short period of time

Medical Definition

hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion ˌhī-pə-rin-ˈflā-shən 

: excessive inflation (as of the lungs)