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

Under Laporta, the club might have scaled everything back, refusing to keep pace with football’s rampant wage inflation, selling young stars for a fortune and reducing their edge on the field in the process. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Trump claimed the payments would be possible because of the economy's strength, yet consumer sentiment is weak as gasoline prices are increasing because of the war with Iran and wages are struggling to keep pace with inflation. — Bill Barrow, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Both readings matched the Dow Jones consensus while remaining far above the central bank’s goal of 2% inflation. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026

When adjusted for inflation, fuel prices have been higher in the past. — ABC News, 11 Sep. 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