B2nounmoney
US/ɪnˈfleɪ.ʃən/
UK/ɪnˈfleɪ.ʃən/
a general rise in prices, which means money buys less than before
In context
High inflation means a bowl of phở now costs twice what it did ten years ago.
The central bank raised interest rates to bring inflation under control.
If your salary rises more slowly than inflation, you are actually getting poorer.
Words that go with inflation
adjective + noun
- high inflationHigh inflation hurts people on fixed incomes the most.
- rising inflationRising inflation has made rent hard to afford.
noun + noun
- inflation rateThe inflation rate fell to three percent in March.
verb + noun
- control inflationGovernments often struggle to control inflation after a crisis.
verb + preposition
- keep up with inflationPensions have not kept up with inflation for years.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The inflation is increasing the price.Correct: Inflation is pushing prices up.