consumerism

noun

con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
-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 consumerismThomas Byrne Edsall
2
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
consumerist noun or adjective
consumeristic adjective

Examples of consumerism in a Sentence

concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like a Gen Z version of QVC, TikTok Live shopping events are part of a push by the social media platform to combine the convenience of mobile commerce and the frenzied consumerism of limited-time deals with interactive, unscripted entertainment. Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 Transparency, measurable progress and a willingness to acknowledge both successes and challenges will be the hallmarks of brands that thrive in the era of sustainable consumerism. Evgeny Popov, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Channels that don't overly focus on consumerism or push products onto young viewers. Holly Garcia, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024 Still, passions about Black Friday run deep, rooted in family traditions and stances on capitalism, consumerism and commercialism of the holidays. Eric Larsen, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consumerism 

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumerism was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near consumerism

Cite this Entry

“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

consumerism

noun
con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
: the promotion of the consumer's interests

More from Merriam-Webster on consumerism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!