This article revealed the essence of inflation and the problems associated with it. The forms in which it can manifest itself, its main types, and the rate of price growth are considered. Revealed and substantiated the main reasons, the consequence of which is the process of depreciation of money, such as a deficit of the state budget, violations of the structure of the economy, world crises. The socio-economic consequences of inflation have been identified and structured. It was concluded that inflation has become a constant factor in economic life, significantly complicating the system of economic relations. Overcoming inflation is a necessary condition for normal economic development and effective functioning of the monetary system. Inflation is considered on the example of developing countries and the relationship between economic development and inflation is substantiated.