cost-push

noun

ˈkȯs(t)-ˌpu̇sh 

: an increase or upward trend in production costs (such as wages) that tends to result in increased consumer prices irrespective of the level of demand compare demand-pull

cost-push adjective

Examples of cost-push in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of the cost-push inflation, over time, is negative for growth. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

In the ice cream shop scenario, cost-push inflation would happen if the cost of ingredients like milk and sugar increases, and the ice cream shop owner has to raise prices in order to continue making a profit. — Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 2 Mar. 2026

And second, the core services ex-shelter inflation measure is often used to gauge something called cost-push inflation, which is driven by wage or wealth increases, and can signal rising prices have become entrenched in the economy. — Will Daniel, Fortune, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cost-push

• ambush
• rosebush
• saltbush
• push
• tush