consumerism

noun

con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌri-zəm 

-mər-ˌi-

1

: the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable

also : a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods

… the contemporary marketplace is shaped solely by the craven needs of lowbrow consumerism …

—Thomas Byrne Edsall

2

: the promotion of the consumer's interests

consumerist

kən-ˈsü-mə-rist 

-mər-ist

noun or adjective

consumeristic

kən-ˌsü-mə-ˈri-stik 

-mər-ˈi-

adjective

Examples of consumerism in a Sentence

concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers

Recent Examples on the Web

Grant Wong | | READ MORE Grant Wong is a history Ph.D. student of 20th-century popular culture and consumerism at the University of South Carolina. —Grant Wong, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024

For those in Chicagoland, but not into Christianity or consumerism, let the arts be your refuge as 2024 comes to a close. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

However, not everyone sees that as acceptable; some object to its consumerism or because it’s viewed as a Christian or foreign holiday. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025

The song is kind of a warning about the consumerism and idol worshipping of society. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing consumerism

• anti-consumerism

Rhymes for consumerism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

consumerism

noun

con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm 

: the promotion of the consumer's interests