inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as
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

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
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.
The one-year inflation outlook spiked to 4.9%, the highest reading since November 2022. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 The year-ahead inflation outlook, meanwhile, spiked to 4.9 percent from 4.3 percent in February, its highest level since November 2022. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 This rise aligns with broader economic trends, including increasing tuition costs and the lingering effects of inflation on family budgets. Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Wages in the Miami area increased by 20.2%, above the 19.1% inflation rate — from $18.60 an hour in 2020 to $22.36, according to the Asana analysis and reported by NBC6. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflation was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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