Hyperinflation

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

- + inflation

Full definition of hyperinflation

Noun

1. (economics) A very high rate of Inflationhttp://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/hyperinflation?view=uk.
• 1985, Leon N. Lindberg, Charles S. Maier, Brian M. Barry, The Politics of inflation and economic stagnation, page 74Even though ten years elapsed between the German hyperinflation of 1923 and the seizure of power by Hitler, it is often suggested that the two events are causally related.
• 1987, Philip Cagan, "Hyperinflation", in The New Palgrave: A Dictionary of EconomicsOnly inconvertible paper currencies can be expanded rapidly without limit to generate hyperinflation.
• 2004, John Barkley Rosser, Marina V. Rosser, Comparative Economics in a Transforming World Economy, page 236When hyperinflation peaked, wheelbarrows full of money were required to shop for groceries.

Usage notes

There is no precise quantitative level that defines hyperinflation. A conventionally used threshold is 50% annual inflation.

At hyperinflationary levels, both the money supply and the price level are inflated at great rates.

Related terms

• deflation