inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən 

1

: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as

a

: distension

b

: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang

c

: empty pretentiousness : pomposity

2

: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

Synonyms

• affectation
• arrogance
• pretense
• pretension
• vanity
• pretence

Examples of inflation in a Sentence

the inflation of a balloon

The government has been unable to control inflation.

The rate of inflation is high.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tariffs—added on top of supply chain pressure and inflation—are changing the math. —Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

Consumer data reveals a growing appetite for affordable, healthier, and savory alternatives, as chocolate prices increase and inflation sticks around. —Liz Regalia, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025

The more than 6% increase in electricity costs across that same window was more than double the inflation rate for the year ending in August. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025

At that point, the Fed may be forced to deal with an inflation problem all over again. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inflation

• anti-inflation
• core inflation
• counter-inflation
• grade inflation
• headline inflation

Rhymes for inflation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən 

1

: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated

2

: a continual increase in the price of goods and services