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 consumerism … — Thomas Byrne Edsall
2
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
consumerist
kən-ˈsü-mə-rist How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
-mər-ist
noun or adjective
consumeristic
kən-ˌsü-mə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
-mər-ˈi-
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.
The Horizon In case there is any doubt, political consumerism is on the rise and boycotts seem to be the favored means of expressing it. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Wiesner agreed that as much as the collective does to make fun of consumerism, that also provides a major revenue stream. — Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025 Pepsi argues the nearly 90-year-old legislation is being applied in a way that fails to take into consideration modern-day retail and consumerism. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025 This creates a harmful cycle of consumerism and overconsumption. — The Learning Network, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 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

Phrases Containing consumerism

Rhymes for consumerism

See All Rhymes for consumerism

Browse Nearby Words

consumerism
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Cite this Entry

“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of consumerism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consumerism

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