deflation
nounUK /dɪˈfleɪʃən/
Etymology From deflate + -ion.
1
An act or instance of deflating.
- The loss caused utter deflation and disappointment among the fans.
2
Economics, Sciences A decrease in the general price level, that is, in the nominal cost of goods and services as well as wages.
3
Economics, Sciences Euphemistic An economic contraction.
- Beyond that, there is the hope that deflation of the US economy which the administration has in mind will, overtime; stem the import flood.1969 March 13, “Stans to seek foreign trade”, in Christian Science Monitor:
- It also must be acknowledged that Britain's problems won't be solved by an abrupt deflation of the economy.1976 October 11, “Unions Hold Key To British Stability”, in Milwaukee Sentinel:
1 more example
- The great deflation of the northern economy occurred with the rupturing of the Mackenzie Valley pipe dream.1978 June 3, “Valley Pipe Dream Wrecked Economy”, in Calgary Herald:
- Derived terms
- antideflation, deflational, deflationary, deflationism, deflationist
- Related terms
- disinflation