hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion ˌhī-pər-in-ˈflā-shən 

: extreme or excessive inflation: such as

a

: excessive distension with air or gas

hyperinflation of the lungs

b

: extreme economic inflation with prices rising at a very high rate in a very short time

But the policy also fueled hyperinflation that experts say left Iran's economy weaker in the long run.

—Ramin Mostaghim

also : a period of such inflation

While every company may employ any of a variety of cash investment options during hyperinflation, every successful company has one policy in common …

—Gerald Swanson

hyperinflationary

ˌhī-pər-in-ˈflā-shə-ˌnər-ē 

adjective

Examples of hyperinflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Safety issues have become more acute in the past few years in countries like Ecuador, while in Venezuela people continue to flee as a political crisis and hyperinflation rage on. —Marina E. Franco (noticias Telemundo For Axios), Axios, 10 Dec. 2024

Independent central banks virtually eradicated hyperinflation. —Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2024

Over the past decade, Venezuelans have faced hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, and human rights abuses. —Marta Campabadal Graus and Maria Ramirez Uribe, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Aug. 2024

According to a comprehensive study by economists Steve H. Hanke and Nicholas Krus, there have been 56 episodes of hyperinflation in recent history. —Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion -in-ˈflā-shən 

: inflation that increases very quickly over a short period of time

Medical Definition

hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion ˌhī-pə-rin-ˈflā-shən 

: excessive inflation (as of the lungs)