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

Milei’s austerity drive has produced a rare budget surplus and slashed annual inflation from 200% to about 32%. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026

Using a different inflation measure to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which would slow benefit growth. — Lena Borrelli, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2026

Under his economic campaign, annual inflation has fallen from over 200% to 33%. — Reuters, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026

After months and months of endless inflation, rising gas prices, and an escalating war in Iraq that has no exit strategy, Americans have had enough. — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 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