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.
Lagarde stressed that there were downside risks to the already-weak euro zone growth outlook, but said the inflation picture had significantly improved and included upside risks. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024 With January just weeks away and inflation still impacting the wallets of Americans, taxpayers across the country are preparing to file in 2025. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024 Stubborn inflation over recent months has thrown a wrench into central bank hopes of a drawdown of rates, and the possibility of resurgent inflation under President-elect Donald Trump could further complicate plans, experts said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2024 However, inflation, despite dropping from its 9.1 percent peak in mid-2022, has not declined as anticipated. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near inflation

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!