inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən 
1
a
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
Annual inflation rose less than expected in September, according to a crucial report published Friday, nine days later than normal due to the government shutdown.
—
NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
At the same time, inflation has caused pain.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is slated to publish September inflation data on Friday morning, in spite of a government shutdown that has paralyzed federal reporting and has no end in sight.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Though overall inflation appears to be stabilizing, the uneven pattern hints at what some analysts see as a late-cycle economy — where headline numbers look steady, but the foundations begin to creak.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
At the same time, inflation has caused pain.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is slated to publish September inflation data on Friday morning, in spite of a government shutdown that has paralyzed federal reporting and has no end in sight.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Though overall inflation appears to be stabilizing, the uneven pattern hints at what some analysts see as a late-cycle economy — where headline numbers look steady, but the foundations begin to creak.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services
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