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 of inflation

• affectation
• arrogance
• pretense
• pretension
• vanity

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

In prison, workers earn as little as pennies a day, and much of those earnings go toward purchasing necessities like postage and hygiene supplies at canteens, where prices have risen along with inflation. — Amber Gaudet july 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

How companies are coping with uncertainty Companies are navigating refunds and inflation differently. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 July 2026

American trade associations, too, found fault with the duty hike, both because of its regressive impact on diversification efforts and its potential impact on inflation-weary American consumers. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Rising oil prices could drive new inflation concerns which had abated as oil fell since early June on hopes of the war there being over. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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