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
Thomas Byrne Edsall 2
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
Examples of consumerism in a Sentence
concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
As with other works of Booker’s, notions of labor, ecology, gender, racial politics, and consumerism are at play here—all heightened by the history and associations of the Garment District.
—Grace Edquist, Vogue, 28 June 2024
The threat of a Cold War nuclear attack forced Americans to reckon with a grim brand of consumerism: buy or die.
—Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 31 May 2024
The birth of the Internet was heavily influenced by the libertarian philosophies of early Silicon Valley founders, and our current approach to technology regulation has been predominantly shaped by neoliberal desires to favor economic growth and consumerism.
—Helen Jay, Scientific American, 22 Mar. 2024
India’s million mutinies also make the politics of its rival, China, appear insipid, as the once-revolutionary Chinese masses now timidly acquiesce to an imperious state and tawdry consumerism alike.
—Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013
See all Example Sentences for consumerism 
Grace Edquist, Vogue, 28 June 2024
The threat of a Cold War nuclear attack forced Americans to reckon with a grim brand of consumerism: buy or die.
—Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 31 May 2024
The birth of the Internet was heavily influenced by the libertarian philosophies of early Silicon Valley founders, and our current approach to technology regulation has been predominantly shaped by neoliberal desires to favor economic growth and consumerism.
—Helen Jay, Scientific American, 22 Mar. 2024
India’s million mutinies also make the politics of its rival, China, appear insipid, as the once-revolutionary Chinese masses now timidly acquiesce to an imperious state and tawdry consumerism alike.
—Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013
See all Example Sentences for consumerism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consumerism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near consumerism
Cite this Entry
“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consumerism
noun
con·sum·er·ism
kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
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