deflation — English Dictionary

Noun

1. An act or instance of deflating.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Antonyms

   inflation

   Examples

   The loss caused utter deflation and disappointment among the fans.

2. A decrease in the general price level, that is, in the nominal cost of goods and services as well as wages.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Antonyms

   inflation

3. An economic contraction.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • euphemistic
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Beyond that, there is the hope that deflation of the US economy which the administration has in mind will, overtime; stem the import flood.

   It also must be acknowledged that Britain's problems won't be solved by an abrupt deflation of the economy.

   More examples (1)

   The great deflation of the northern economy occurred with the rupturing of the Mackenzie Valley pipe dream.

4. The removal of soil and other loose material from the ground (or another surface) by wind, leaving it exposed to erosion.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. (geology) the erosion of soil as a consequence of sand and dust and loose rocks being removed by the wind

   Broader terms

   erosionerodingeating awaywearingwearing away

   Examples

   a constant deflation of the desert landscape

2. a contraction of economic activity resulting in a decline of prices

   Antonyms

   inflationdisinflation

   Broader terms

   economic process

3. the act of letting the air out of something

   Antonyms

   inflation

   Broader terms

   decreasediminutionreductionstep-down