greenwashing

1 of 2

noun

green·​wash·​ing ˈgrēn-ˌwȯ-shiŋ 

-ˌwä-

: the act or practice of making a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is

The practice of greenwashing appears more common as firms attempt to better position themselves in a global marketplace growing more concerned with corporate sustainability.

—Timothy W. Aurand et al.

Not only is greenwashing bad for the environment, but it's misleading to consumers who want to invest in products that aren't harmful to the planet.

—Jennifer Manfrin

The greenwashing allegation … adds to efforts to heap pressure on some of the world's biggest polluting companies as regulators take an increasing interest in climate change.

—William Mathis and Austin Weinstein Bloomberg

A lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.

—The Economist

greenwashing

2 of 2

present participle of greenwash

Examples of greenwashing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Credibility and Greenwashing Concerns: The fear of greenwashing can damage a company’s credibility. —Dr. Milan Kumar, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

The growing awareness of greenwashing means people are looking beyond claims. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Ignore bogus tree planting initiatives and other similar greenwashing schemes. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

For wine lovers tired of greenwashing who wish producers would put their money where their mouth is, the bottles have a special back label showing that it is transported to the U.S. by sailboat. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

greenwash entry 1 + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for greenwashing

• brainwashing
• handwashing
• whitewashing
• quashing
• sloshing
• squashing
• washing