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

Back then, the American economy surged as businesses became more productive, unemployment tumbled and inflation remained in check. —Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026

The president has done little to convince his supporters that his foreign adventures will help Americans address their concerns over inflation and the cost of living. —Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

Investors worry that a spike in energy prices could lead to higher inflation at a time when price gains seemed to have been slowly moderating. —Camila Domonoske, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026

Now an energy supply scare adds a second channel of pressure, through fuel, freight, and input prices, just as inflation appeared to be stabilizing. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 2 Mar. 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
• 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