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 Investors had worried that the central bank would adjust its expectations to fewer than three cuts following a slate of hot inflation data in recent months. Krystal Hur, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024 But, as an analysis by the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows, the MPS spending per student has stayed about the same over recent years, even as budget increases have been below the inflation rate. Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 The hope for Democratic strategists is that voters’ negative feelings about the economy result mostly from a time lag — and that memories of the rapid inflation of 2022 and early 2023 will soon fade. David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 In August 2022, annual food inflation reached a peak of 11.4 percent. Madeleine Ngo, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 In a case study, the researchers took a look at the 2022 extreme summer heat event in Europe and found that food inflation increased by 0.43-0.93% for the continent. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2024 People’s purchasing power is under pressure with inflation and gas prices and all the rest of it. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Over the past few years, the Fed has gone through multiple stages of its inflation fight. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 Though the economy appears stronger now according to traditional metrics like cooling inflation, lower unemployment, and a roaring stock market, many Americans have lingering concerns. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 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

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