inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən 

1

: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as

a

: distension

b

: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang

c

: empty pretentiousness : pomposity

2

: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

Synonyms

• affectation
• arrogance
• pretense
• pretension
• vanity
• pretence

Examples of inflation in a Sentence

the inflation of a balloon

The government has been unable to control inflation.

The rate of inflation is high.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s less money than baby boomers had at the same age, after inflation. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025

Stocks got some help from a report on inflation that suggested the Federal Reserve may be able to continue cutting interest rates. —Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025

Global consumer textile demand is affected by macroeconomic conditions, and the outlook for world GDP growth has been tepid since the benefits of stimulus faded with inflation and higher interest rates. —Sj Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025

Friday’s data showed that inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inflation

• anti-inflation
• core inflation
• counter-inflation
• grade inflation
• headline inflation

Rhymes for inflation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən 

1

: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated

2

: a continual increase in the price of goods and services