INFLATION: A persistent increase in the average price level in the economy. Inflation occurs when the AVERAGE price level (that is, prices IN GENERAL) increases over time. This does NOT mean that ALL prices increase the same, nor that ALL prices necessarily increase. Some prices might increase a lot, others a little, and still other prices decrease or remain unchanged. Inflation results when the AVERAGE of these assorted prices follows an upward trend. Inflation is the most common phenomenon associated with the price level. See also | price level | business cycle | unemployment | Consumer Price Index | GDP price deflator | deflation | disinflation | inflation causes | cost-push inflation | demand-pull inflation | money | inflation problems | inflation rate | inflationary gap |
