inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
Synonyms of inflationnext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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 Restaurateurs managed inflation of ingredient prices, staff shortages, maintenance costs and pandemic-era loan repayment deadlines, all while those relying on catering, industry meetings and private events were hit by the massive strikes in the entertainment industry. —Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024 The persistence of elevated inflation alongside high interest rates has squeezed many consumers, who grapple with stiff prices but face expensive borrowing costs for loans that could help ease the financial pain. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing inflation

Dictionary Entries Near inflation

inflatedness

inflation

inflationary

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Nglish: Translation of inflation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of inflation for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflation

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