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

While they are all expected to leave interest rates unchanged, investors are keen to know how officials view the inflation threat posed by the oil shock stemming from the US-Iran conflict. —Ashutosh Joshi, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026

But buying fresh, organic produce can get expensive, especially in this age of inflation. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2026

The idea is to use I Bonds to protect savings against inflation. —Susan Tompor, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026

Expensive gas can blow a hole through family budgets already strained by inflation, housing and car payments, now averaging more than $600 a month in Florida. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 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
• 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