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

The triple whammy of the COVID-19 closures, inflation and technological disruption has left everyone hurting. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

But as the gasoline prices come down, inflation’s going to come down. — NBC news, 28 June 2026

Price pressure from tariffs and the oil shock should now be waning, helping inflation cool, Barkin said. — Catarina Saraiva, Fortune, 28 June 2026

One explanation is that a steep drop in oil prices – crude futures fell about $10 from last Friday's high – is reducing the risk of higher inflation and a hawkish central bank. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 27 June 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