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
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.
The abuse victims’ attorneys, however, suggested that not funding the trust immediately would short-change people who had already been victimized by the church, given how the value of that trust could erode with time and inflation. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 However, at the end of the day, inflation is dropping, the economy is rising (slightly), major companies are making money, interest rates are stabilizing and the sun will be shining in most places. Joel Shulman, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Although gas prices are down and the rate of inflation has cooled sharply, consumers are still hurting from years of price hikes. Matt Egan, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 Although inflation has dropped close to pre-pandemic levels, prices haven't receded and continue to impact consumers. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Oct. 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 19 Nov. 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
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