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.
Competition from online sellers, high inflation and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused retail players across America to shrink, declare bankruptcy or even close for good in recent years. Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025 The number one reason cited was inflation, which has impacted their personal finance habits. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025 The Labor Department will also release the personal consumption expenditures price index, an important inflation metric for the Fed, on Friday. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2025 Washington Gas’ rates since 2010 have grown at about the rate of inflation, and today its customers pay 46 cents/therm — less than half of BGE’s rates — for essentially the same service. David S. Lapp, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near inflation

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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