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
• affectedness
• grandiosity
• pretense
• pretence
• pretension
• pretentiousness

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

Wednesday’s consumer inflation (CPI) reading is the final critical impediment to beginning the easing cycle. —Bill Stone, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

Japan releases bank lending, trade, current account and revised GDP growth figures, Taiwan releases trade data, and perhaps most important of all, China unveils producer and consumer price inflation figures. —Jamie McGeever, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2024

That’s when the Federal Reserve began its campaign of aggressive rate hikes to rein in inflation. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2024

The accelerating drop in gas prices should help ease financial pressure on consumers and contribute to the cooling inflation rate. —Matt Egan, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024

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

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