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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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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