inflation
inflation — noun
1. a long-term economic condition in which the prices of most goods and services ke
a long-term economic condition in which the prices of most goods and services keep rising, so that each unit of currency buys less than it did before.
When the rate of inflation rose above five percent, Antonia began to worry about her monthly food budget.
collocation: rate of inflation
To control rising inflation, the central bank decided to increase interest rates.
phrase: control inflation
Sivan noticed that her grandmother's pension did not keep up with inflation over the years.
High inflation makes it harder for young families to save money for a house.
- price rise
a simpler, non-technical term; less precise than inflation
- rising prices
describes the same situation in everyday language
- deflation
a general decrease in prices across the economy
文法句型
inflation + verb (rises, falls, slows)
rate/level of inflation
adjusted for inflation
用法筆記
Frequently used without an article in general statements (Inflation is rising across Europe). The related adjective is inflationary (inflationary pressures, inflationary spiral). The opposite economic condition is deflation.
常見錯誤
2. the process by which the amount, level, or numerical value of something steadily
the process by which the amount, level, or numerical value of something steadily rises over time, often beyond reasonable or expected limits.
Grade inflation at universities has made it difficult for employers to compare graduates fairly.
compound noun: grade inflation
Roya questioned whether salary inflation in the tech industry reflected true skill growth.
Nikhil argued that title inflation had created managers with impressive names but little real authority.
Rent inflation in major cities has pushed housing costs far beyond local wages.
- rise
neutral term; does not carry the critical tone of inflation
- escalation
implies a rapid or uncontrolled increase; more formal
- decline
a drop in the amount or level of something
文法句型
[noun] + inflation
inflation of [noun]
用法筆記
Most common in compound nouns used in journalism and social commentary, such as grade inflation, salary inflation, credential inflation, and title inflation. These terms carry a critical tone, suggesting the increase is artificial or unjustified.
常見錯誤
3. the practice of presenting facts or events in a way that makes them seem more si
the practice of presenting facts or events in a way that makes them seem more significant than they truly are, usually in order to mislead or impress others.
Critics accused the government of deliberate inflation of the job-creation numbers before the election.
pattern: inflation of [noun]
Christopher's inflation of his role in the project was noticed by everyone on the team.
The company's inflation of its annual earnings was eventually investigated by regulators.
The agency was criticised for the inflation of attendance figures at the music festival.
- exaggeration
more common and less formal; can be neutral or playful
- overstatement
similar formality, focuses on making things seem bigger than they are
- embellishment
suggests adding detail to make something more interesting, not necessarily dishonest
- understatement
making something seem smaller or less important than it is
文法句型
inflation of [noun phrase]
accuse of inflation
guilty of inflation
用法筆記
Restricted to formal or critical contexts. This sense nearly always carries a negative judgement, implying that someone has deliberately distorted the truth. Less common in everyday speech than the simpler word exaggeration.
常見錯誤
4. the process of pumping air or gas into a container, tyre, balloon, or other obje
the process of pumping air or gas into a container, tyre, balloon, or other object so that it expands and becomes firm or rounded.
Proper inflation of the car tyres can improve fuel efficiency and keep the ride safe.
collocation: tyre inflation
After pulling the cord, Mizuki heard the hiss of air as the life raft began its inflation.
Jude checked the inflation of every balloon before the children's party started.
Léa used a hand pump for the inflation of the air mattress before her guests arrived.
- filling
broader term; can refer to any substance (air, water, sand)
- pumping up
informal phrasal equivalent, common in everyday speech
- deflation
the release of air or gas from something
文法句型
inflation of [object]
[noun] + inflation (tyre inflation, balloon inflation)
用法筆記
Restricted to physical filling with air or gas — do not use for liquids or medical terms. May be countable in specialist contexts (one inflation of a life jacket). Commonly used with tyres, balloons, air mattresses, sports balls, and life rafts. The verb form inflate is more frequent in everyday speech.