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
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
Gerald Swanson Examples of hyperinflation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For many, the rhetoric revives memories of years defined by recession, hyperinflation and chronic shortages.
—Carrie Kahn, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025
Born in 1926 in Weimar Germany, where hyperinflation bankrupted his father’s business, the young Linz witnessed the breakdown of democracy and the onset of Hitler’s dictatorship.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Under his leadership, however, Venezuela descended into severe economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and a massive exodus of citizens seeking stability abroad.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Between 2017 and 2021, Maduro’s government experienced a cycle of unprecedented hyperinflation and accumulated a drop in gross domestic product of close to 80 points in its first seven years in office.
—Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
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Carrie Kahn, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025
Born in 1926 in Weimar Germany, where hyperinflation bankrupted his father’s business, the young Linz witnessed the breakdown of democracy and the onset of Hitler’s dictatorship.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Under his leadership, however, Venezuela descended into severe economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and a massive exodus of citizens seeking stability abroad.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
Between 2017 and 2021, Maduro’s government experienced a cycle of unprecedented hyperinflation and accumulated a drop in gross domestic product of close to 80 points in its first seven years in office.
—Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperinflation
Cite this Entry
“Hyperinflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperinflation. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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