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
Though rooted in self-love, these trends can blur the line between care and consumerism.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Valentine’s Day has expanded into a global holiday of romance and consumerism.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025
Celebrities have always been one of the most impactful drivers of consumerism in America.
—Anthony Moniello, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
Sustainability in Action Ethical consumerism is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, and Waterstones has responded by aligning its operations with sustainable practices.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consumerism
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Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Valentine’s Day has expanded into a global holiday of romance and consumerism.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025
Celebrities have always been one of the most impactful drivers of consumerism in America.
—Anthony Moniello, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
Sustainability in Action Ethical consumerism is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, and Waterstones has responded by aligning its operations with sustainable practices.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 22 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 11 Apr. 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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