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 Adidas was the pivotal point for Stoute, as mentioned in his best-selling book The Tanning of America, outlining the impact of hip-hop music over a culture driven by early signs of consumerism. Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Oh, the delicate needle to be threaded between climate-conscious consumerism and not consuming so damn much. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 This educational initiative offers you a deeper understanding of the artistic materials and processes used by Pop artists, reflecting on consumerism's impact on society and the environment. Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Black Friday was once a hallmark celebration of American consumerism. J. Edward Moreno, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023 However humorously intended, Chapin is creating works that do ask the viewer to seriously consider our relationships with consumerism. Seth Combs, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2023 Although Gen Zers and millennials are generally regarded as anti-capitalist consumers who claim to distance themselves from overconsumption or blind consumerism, there are two things that will stop them in their tracks when making a decision to purchase: celebrities and influencers. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2024 Because London is a second home to so many rich people from abroad, the city has long been a bastion of gaudy consumerism. Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 Chutes Kenzie Sutton’s short examines capitalism and consumerism through the lens of childhood toys. Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Dec. 2023

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.

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 19 Mar. 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

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