Inflation = sustained rise in ___ ?

**The reasoning** Inflation is, by definition, a **sustained increase in the general price level** of goods and services in an economy over time. Think of it this way: when there's inflation, your ₦1000 buys fewer things today than it did last year. The key word is "general" — it's not just one item getting expensive, but prices across the board rising consistently. This is measured using indices like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks how much a basket of everyday goods (rice, fuel, clothes, etc.) costs over time. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) Wages** — Yes, wages often rise *during* inflation, but they're a consequence, not the definition. Plus, wages don't always keep up with inflation (that's when real income falls). **C) Imports & D) Exports** — These can *contribute* to inflation (e.g., expensive imports push up prices), but inflation itself describes what's happening to prices domestically, not trade flows. **Quick takeaway** **Inflation = your money loses purchasing power because prices keep climbing.** Always remember: it's about prices, not what causes them or follows them.