inflationary spiral
noun
: a continuous rise in prices that is sustained by the tendency of wage increases and cost increases to react on each other
Examples of inflationary spiral in a Sentence
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Second-round effects refer to the more indirect consequences of sudden inflation shocks, such as workers seeking higher wages and firms raising prices, which can lead to an upward inflationary spiral.
—
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2026
The relatively benign stock market and economic impact of global war highlighted above masks an important concern: if a military conflict interrupts energy supply and triggers inflationary spirals, the damage can be far worse.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 6 Mar. 2026
According to the White House, the US is brokering the sale of hundreds of millions of oil barrels – profits from which are already hitting the street and calming the inflationary spiral, to the point that Caracas this month felt cheaper to me than in December.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
But a Fed driven by a president’s political whims could cut rates or keep them lower than appropriate, risking an inflationary spiral that lasts long beyond the next election.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2026
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Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2026
The relatively benign stock market and economic impact of global war highlighted above masks an important concern: if a military conflict interrupts energy supply and triggers inflationary spirals, the damage can be far worse.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 6 Mar. 2026
According to the White House, the US is brokering the sale of hundreds of millions of oil barrels – profits from which are already hitting the street and calming the inflationary spiral, to the point that Caracas this month felt cheaper to me than in December.
—Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
But a Fed driven by a president’s political whims could cut rates or keep them lower than appropriate, risking an inflationary spiral that lasts long beyond the next election.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflationary spiral
Cite this Entry
“Inflationary spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflationary%20spiral. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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