The first is what inflation is. The second is what we call a retraction or recession, and we have plenty of those where the "price of money" (buying power and c

The first is what inflation is. The second is what we call a retraction or recession, and we have plenty of those where the "price of money" (buying power and cost to borrow) does not change. The third thing (which you did not mention) is "stagflation", which is basically "moving less stuff for more money". Being constrained on the supply side would indeed cause prices to rise, but this is not inflation. Inflation is where the entire supply/demand curve is shifted (because money itself is worth more or less.) As an example -- in inflation, both your gold necklace and your toilette paper would go up in price. In supply constraint, only your tp would go up in price. The value of a dollar hasn't changed (as evidenced by the price to sell your necklace.) I'm not an economist, but I make money gambling on options as a hobby.