inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as
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

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 While Biden-Harris can lay claim to a number of achievements, their legacy on inflation is what’s being remembered most by voters, who generally pan the administration’s record. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 July 2024 Look what she got done: a border invasion, runaway inflation, the American Dream dead. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 22 July 2024 Price increases are easing compared to inflation’s height in 2022. Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 22 July 2024 Since the coronavirus pandemic, inflation is up over 20%, according to an analysis from Bankrate. Nolan McKendry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inflation

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!