hyperinflation

noun

hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion ˌhī-pər-in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce hyperinflation (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of hyperinflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Unprecedented rates of hyperinflation and a civil war with a gruesome Maoist terrorist group, the Shining Path, meant that the average Peruvian was ready for new figures to emerge to confront these threats. Stephanie McNulty & Sarah Chartock / Made By History, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 In many cases, their economic policies proved to be highly erratic, leading to bouts of hyperinflation or periods of severe economic depression. Yascha Mounk, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2019 The country is not convulsed with riots, hyperinflation, or mass immiseration. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 By the time that right-wing populists have been in office for five or ten years, their countries are more likely than their peers to have suffered from stock market crashes, acute financial crises, or bouts of hyperinflation. Yascha Mounk, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2019 See all Example Sentences for hyperinflation 

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperinflation was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near hyperinflation

Cite this Entry

“Hyperinflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperinflation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hyperinflation

noun
hy·​per·​in·​fla·​tion -in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce hyperinflation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce hyperinflation (audio)
: excessive inflation (as of the lungs)
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!