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

From the Middle East to Latin America, ordinary people are turning to USDT to hide and preserve their wealth from authoritative regimes and shield themselves against hyperinflation. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2026

By 2021, when hyperinflation formally ended through de facto dollarization, 78% of Venezuelans lived in poverty, and 57% in extreme poverty. —Helena Carpio, Time, 16 Jan. 2026

When faith in central banks fails, so can faith in the value of money, leading to hyperinflation. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026

Economic overview Venezuela’s economy has undergone hyperinflation and chaos since the mid-2010s driven by political corruption, infrastructure cuts and debt defaults. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 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)