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

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

Coke’s pricing rose 9% in the quarter, 4% of which came from markets dealing with hyperinflation. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

The dispute leaves Venezuela, which has faced bouts of hyperinflation and seen its oil industry implode under Maduro’s watch, at risk of more turmoil. —Patricia Laya and Andreina Itriago Acosta / Bloomberg, TIME, 29 July 2024

Now, imagine a platform where someone in Argentina experiencing hyperinflation can preserve their wealth by investing in tokenized Treasury bills. —Bryan Benson, Forbes, 19 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)