Which of the following is characterized by a sustained increase in the general level of prices?

The concept of sustained increases in the general level of prices relates specifically to inflation. Inflation occurs when the overall price levels of goods and services rise consistently over a period of time, leading to a decrease in purchasing power for consumers. This ongoing increase can be influenced by various factors, including demand-pull inflation, where demand exceeds supply, or cost-push inflation, where the costs of production increase.

Understanding inflation is crucial in economics because it impacts various aspects of financial decision-making, such as investments, savings, and interest rates. It is also a key indicator of economic health; moderate inflation is common in a growing economy, while excessively high inflation can be a sign of economic troubles.