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

Borrowing costs across the G7 have spiked in recent weeks, raising long-term inflation worries, while global oil inventories are falling at a record pace. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 18 May 2026

Yet Summers once again saw inflation in the spending foolishly agreed to by Biden. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

The economic fallout from the war with Iran is hitting home — as inflation climbs to a three-year high and the issue becomes a midterm flashpoint. —NBC news, 17 May 2026

Those remarks, plus new numbers showing the fastest increase in the inflation rate in three years, have Republicans increasingly concerned about the party's chances in the midterm election. —CBS News, 17 May 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