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

By the same token, inflation seems to be moderating. —Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

At its low point, consumer sentiment fell close to its worst level since a bout of inflation three years ago. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025

Hard assets will be in demand as the economy slows, inflation stays high and the Fed is forced to inject more liquidity into the system, the analyst said. —John Melloy, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025

But the higher costs make trips to the grocery store more expensive for middle-class Americans, who’ve sweated grocery prices as inflation sticks. —Mark Dent, HubSpot, 12 Sep. 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