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 He is widely credited with rescuing Peru from a painful period of hyperinflation and hunger, and oversaw the destruction of leftist insurgent groups that terrorized Peruvians with car bombs and brutal massacres for more than a decade. Mitra Taj, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Sep. 2024 Legacy of human rights abuses Fujimori came to power amid a major economic crisis marked by hyperinflation and the rise of left-wing guerrillas who threatened the country’s political, social and economic stability. Ñusta Carranza Ko, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2024 Yet in dysfunctional economies such as Argentina and Turkey, beset by hyperinflation and a shortage of hard currency, tether is also a lifeline for people. Brady Dale, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024 Trying to make this situation sustainable without adjusting fiscal policy or raising interest rates, as recommended by some advocates of modern monetary theory, is a recipe for hyperinflation. Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2019 See all Example Sentences for hyperinflation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperinflation.' 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

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 1 Oct. 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
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