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

Even though the overall rate of inflation has slowed again, Snegovaya said consumer sentiment on the issue remains negative. —Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

Those include increasing medical costs that are traditionally higher than the rate of inflation and the expiration of important federal premium subsidies that had been increased during the coronavirus pandemic. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026

Even before this, rising inflation and market impacts have been significant. —Louise Schiavone, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

And right now, the oil price shock from the war has driven inflation to its highest level in three years. —ABC News, 14 June 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