deflation
/ˌdiːˈfleɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdiːˈfleɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈflā-shən ˌdē-/ (ame, mw)
deflation — noun
1. the process of letting air out of something that is filled with air, such as a b
the process of letting air out of something that is filled with air, such as a balloon, a tire, or an inflatable object, causing it to become smaller or lose its shape.
The sudden deflation of the balloon sent it spinning wildly around the room.
uncountable noun with 'the' + of
After the deflation of the air mattress, the camping family packed it into a small carry bag.
concrete scenario: travel equipment
A slow deflation in the rear tire forced the driver to pull over at the next gas station.
The nurse checked the blood pressure cuff for any sign of air leakage or deflation.
- deflating
The gerund form; interchangeable in many contexts ('the deflating of the balloon').
- air release
More mechanical or technical; often used for engineered systems rather than everyday objects.
- inflation
The opposite process of filling with air.
用法筆記
Uncountable; typically used with 'the deflation of [something]' to specify the object being emptied of air.
常見錯誤
2. a situation in which a person, group, or institution experiences a loss of confi
a situation in which a person, group, or institution experiences a loss of confidence, energy, or strength, often after a disappointing event or failure.
After losing the championship match, the team suffered a visible deflation in morale.
collocation: deflation in morale
The company's quarterly losses caused a deflation of optimism among its employees.
pattern: deflation of + abstract noun
There was a sense of deflation in the office when the big project was cancelled at the last minute.
The actor felt a quiet deflation after the audition when nobody called back for a second round.
- discouragement
More common and concrete; focuses on the emotional effect of disappointment.
- letdown
Informal; describes the feeling after an anticlimax rather than a general loss of strength.
- dejection
More formal and intense; implies sadness rather than simply loss of energy.
用法筆記
Often used with a following prepositional phrase introduced by 'in' or 'of' to specify where the loss occurs: 'deflation in morale', 'deflation of spirits'. Can be used as an uncountable noun or, less commonly, as a singular count noun ('a sense of deflation').
常見錯誤
3. a sustained fall in the general price level of goods and services in an economy,
a sustained fall in the general price level of goods and services in an economy, usually caused by a reduction in the supply of money or credit and often linked to lower economic activity.
The central bank introduced new policies to prevent deflation from damaging the national economy.
collocation: prevent deflation
During a period of deflation, consumers often delay purchases because they expect prices to keep falling.
typical scenario: consumer behavior during deflation
Economists warned that deflation could lead to higher unemployment and reduced investment across the region.
Japan experienced a long period of deflation in the 1990s that changed the country's approach to monetary policy.
Unlike inflation, which raises the cost of living, deflation can make debts harder to repay because the value of money rises.
- price decline
More descriptive and literal; less technical than 'deflation'.
- disinflation
A slowdown in the rate of inflation, not an actual price decrease — a different economic concept.
- inflation
A general rise in prices; the direct opposite economic condition.
- hyperinflation
Extremely rapid and out-of-control price increases.
用法筆記
Used as an uncountable noun in economic contexts. Often paired in contrast with 'inflation'. Frequently appears in formal or academic writing about macroeconomics. Common collocations include 'fight deflation', 'fear of deflation', and 'the risk of deflation'.
常見錯誤
4. a general reduction in the worth or market value of something, such as currency,
a general reduction in the worth or market value of something, such as currency, assets, or investments, without the specific causes or mechanisms of economic deflation.
Investors grew concerned about the deflation of real estate prices in the coastal housing market.
collocation: deflation of + asset prices
The deflation of the national currency made imported goods significantly more expensive for local consumers.
A steady deflation in the value of collectible stamps disappointed many long-term hobbyists and traders.
The finance report noted a 5% deflation in the company's stock value over the last quarter.
- decrease in value
More neutral and widely understood; avoids the technical tone of 'deflation'.
- depreciation
Specifically used for assets like currency or equipment over time.
- devaluation
Specifically a deliberate reduction in a currency's value by a government or central bank.
- appreciation
An increase in the value of an asset or currency.
- rise in value
The general opposite direction; less formal.
用法筆記
Closely overlaps with the economic sense (Sense 3) but applies to specific assets, currencies, or markets rather than an entire economy. 'Deflation of [asset category]' is the typical pattern. Can be countable when a specific percentage or amount is mentioned ('a 5% deflation').