inflation

[in-fley-shuhn]

noun

1. Economics.,  a persistent, substantial rise in the general level of prices related to an increase in the volume of money and resulting in the loss of value of currency (deflation ).

2. the act of inflating.

3. the state of being inflated. inflated.

inflation

/ ɪnˈfleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of inflating or state of being inflated

2. economics a progressive increase in the general level of prices brought about by an expansion in demand or the money supply ( demand-pull inflation ) or by autonomous increases in costs ( cost-push inflation ) Compare deflation

3. informal,  the rate of increase of prices

inflation

1. A general increase in prices.

Other Word Forms

• anti-inflation noun
• noninflation noun
• overinflation noun
• reinflation noun
• self-inflation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English inflacio(u)n, from Latin inflātiōn-, stem of inflātiō, equivalent to inflāt(us), past participle of inflāre “to blow on or into, puff out” + -iō -ion; inflate

Example Sentences

However, the bus company's general manager Paul Townley said the offer they made was "well above inflation".

From BBC

"However, softer earnings growth, higher inflation, tighter fiscal policy, and the lagged impact of past interest rate rises for some mortgagors point to much weaker real income growth moving forward."

From BBC

“Retailers are being hard hit by tariffs, inflation, and ongoing economic uncertainty, causing bankruptcies and closures,” said Challenger.

From Los Angeles Times

She may also be a hostage to fortune in the promise that the Budget will help bring inflation, currently at 3.8%, down.

From BBC

Brave souls who look around and hear the announced attendance might experience inflation on the rise once more.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boom 
• expansion 
• hike 
• rise