noun

hyperinflation

hy-per-in-FLAY-shuhn

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Hyperinflation (noun) means a very high rate of inflation in an economy. Example: “The country's currency became worthless during the hyperinflation of the 1920s.”

noun

economics A very high rate of inflation in an economy.

"The country's currency became worthless during the hyperinflation of the 1920s."

"Central banks try to keep policy tight so that ordinary inflation never tips into hyperinflation."

"Prices doubled every few days at the height of the hyperinflation."

How to use hyperinflation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHyperinflation is when prices rise so fast that money quickly loses its value.

When to use it

The term is used mainly in economics and financial or historical writing.

Memory tip

Remember the hyper- prefix signals an extreme, not just any, level of inflation.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

hyperinflation hit period of hyperinflation rampant hyperinflation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “hyperinflation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The country's currency became worthless during the _____ of the 1920s.

Etymology

Formed by adding the prefix hyper-, meaning excessive or beyond normal, to the existing word inflation. The compound describes inflation that has become extreme rather than a separate economic process.

Origin: English

Rhymes for hyperinflation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What counts as hyperinflation?

There is no single fixed threshold, but a commonly used rule of thumb is an annual inflation rate above 50 percent.

Is hyperinflation the same as inflation?

Hyperinflation is inflation at an excessive, far higher rate than normal, so it is a severe form of the same process rather than a different one.

What is the opposite of hyperinflation?

The general opposite direction for prices is deflation, where prices fall rather than rise, though it is not an exact mirror of hyperinflation.

What is the meaning of hyperinflation?

"hyperinflation" (noun) means a very high rate of inflation in an economy.