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

In places with less stable currencies crypto has become a way for people to move wealth outside of the traditional financial system and to hedge against hyperinflation and local currency instability. —Steven Dudash, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

There could be professional repercussions – no small thing in a nation where the economy is in shambles and hyperinflation distorts purchasing power. —Mie Hoejris Dahl, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Aug. 2024

Economists caution that if the currency’s decline continues, Venezuela could once again enter a period of runaway inflation, potentially reaching the threshold of hyperinflation that devastated the economy in previous years. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

This bold move seeks to eliminate hyperinflation and attract global capital. —Gianluca Sidoti, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hyperinflation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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)