# deflator

/dɪˈfɫeɪtɝ/ (US) · /diːflˈeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deflator
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a number that removes the effect of rising prices so you can compare money values over time.

For teachers: a price index used to convert nominal values such as GDP into real, inflation-adjusted terms. Most commonly calculated as the ratio of nominal to real GDP multiplied by 100.

## Examples

- Economists use the deflator to adjust prices for inflation.
- The central bank watches the GDP deflator to see how much of the growth comes from higher prices.
- Because the GDP deflator covers all goods and services produced domestically, analysts often prefer it to the consumer price index when measuring broad inflation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.