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

• affectation
• arrogance
• pretense
• pretension
• vanity
• pretence

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

Annual inflation rose less than expected in September, according to a crucial report published Friday, nine days later than normal due to the government shutdown. —NPR, 25 Oct. 2025

At the same time, inflation has caused pain. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is slated to publish September inflation data on Friday morning, in spite of a government shutdown that has paralyzed federal reporting and has no end in sight. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025

Though overall inflation appears to be stabilizing, the uneven pattern hints at what some analysts see as a late-cycle economy — where headline numbers look steady, but the foundations begin to creak. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

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