inflation

A general rise in prices that makes money buy less than before.

• Inflation makes food more expensive.
• Wages failed to keep up with inflation.
• The bank raised interest rates to reduce inflation.

Opposites: deflation

Common phrases: high inflation, inflation rate, rising inflation

An increase beyond what is reasonable or deserved, especially in grades or reported numbers.

• Grade inflation makes results harder to compare.
• The audit revealed inflation of expense claims.
• Teachers discussed how to prevent score inflation.

Similar words: exaggeration

Common phrases: grade inflation, score inflation, inflation of figures

The process of filling something with air or gas so it becomes larger or firm.

• The pump allows quick tyre inflation.
• Airbag inflation happens in a fraction of a second.
• Check the valve before balloon inflation.

Opposites: deflation

Common phrases: balloon inflation, tyre inflation, rapid inflation

An increase in size, amount, or value.

• The report tracks the inflation of costs.
• Grade inflation has changed the admissions process.
• They questioned the sudden inflation of reported sales.

Similar words: increase, expansion

Opposites: reduction

Common phrases: grade inflation, price inflation, inflation of costs

An increase in the amount of money available that reduces its value and raises stated prices.

• Monetary inflation reduced the currency’s value.
• The economist linked inflation to excessive money creation.
• They studied inflation caused by an expanding money supply.

Opposites: deflation

Common phrases: monetary inflation, currency inflation, inflation of money