deflation

noun

de·​fla·​tion di-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce deflation (audio)
ˌdē-
1
: an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
2
: a contraction in the volume of available money or credit that results in a general decline in prices
3
: the erosion of soil by the wind
deflationary adjective

Examples of deflation in a Sentence

Economists worry that deflation will bring the country into recession.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China narrowly avoided a slip into deflation in December, statistics authorities said last week, with prices rising at their slowest pace in nine months. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune Asia, 17 Jan. 2025 Energetic purchases of bonds by the central bank are a standard policy prescription for economies facing deflation: a broad decline in prices. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Police put stop sticks, or tire deflation devices, near the vehicle and called for backup from the Olive Branch Police Department and DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 Falling prices constitute deflation, inflation’s ugly cousin. Nick Rockel, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deflation 

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflation was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near deflation

Cite this Entry

“Deflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflation. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

deflation

noun
de·​fla·​tion di-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce deflation (audio)
ˈdē-
1
: an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
2
: a reduction in the volume of available money or credit resulting in a decline of the general price level
deflationary adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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