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

Meanwhile, the proliferation of large new data centers is rivaling inflation and the Iran war as midterm political issues--and, like them, is hurting the Republicans. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Mortgage rates just hit the highest level since 2023, further complicating the economic picture as inflation remains high and investors grow increasingly concerned about the federal government’s fiscal footing. — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

But fresh inflation data expected next week will factor into the central bank’s decision. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

That’s the biggest summer ever before adjusting for inflation, and nearly 10% ahead of 2019. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 4 Oct. 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