hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion ˌhī-pər-in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce hyperinflation (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of hyperinflation in a Sentence

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.
As food shortages, hyperinflation and state violence spiraled, families fled in droves. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 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 Trump’s proposal is part of a recent effort to strengthen relations with Argentina and longtime political ally and Argentinian President Javier Milei, a chainsaw-wielding leader known for both taming the country’s hyperinflation, but also navigating several corruption scandals. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 Or, consider Zimbabwe, whose hyperinflation rate reached 79 billion percent in 2008. Alex Pron, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hyperinflation

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperinflation was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperinflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperinflation. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

hyperinflation

noun
hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion -in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce hyperinflation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce hyperinflation (audio)
: excessive inflation (as of the lungs)
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