inflationary

adjective

in·​fla·​tion·​ary in-ˈflā-shə-ˌner-ē 

: of, characterized by, or productive of inflation

inflationary policies

Examples of inflationary in a Sentence

He blames the bad economy on the government's inflationary policies.

Recent Examples on the Web

The key question is whether those inflationary shocks will be temporary or persistent, a distinction that depends on how long the war lasts. —Rachel Barber, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

While the war’s impact on fuel prices has been obvious at gas stations from coast to coast, a similar inflationary drama is playing out in the fertilizer business — putting an unaccustomed spotlight on CF Industries Holdings of north suburban Northbrook. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Shelter has long been a thorn in the side of the inflationary outlook for a very long time. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026

Gilt yields initially fell in response, but reversed course when fresh PMI data pointed to a sharp increase in inflationary pressures. —Hugh Leask,holly Ellyatt,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing inflationary

• anti-inflationary
• counter-inflationary
• inflationary spiral

Rhymes for inflationary

• accretionary
• apothecary
• bicentenary
• certiorari
• concessionary
• concretionary
• confectionary
• confectionery
• constabulary
• contemporary
• deflationary
• depositary

Kids Definition

inflationary

adjective

in·​fla·​tion·​ary in-ˈflā-shə-ˌner-ē 

: of, relating to, or causing inflation

an inflationary policy