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
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.
Pippa Garner, an artist who poked fun at consumerism in sculptures and performances that gained a cult following, died at 82 in Los Angeles on December 30, 2024. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Jan. 2025 This triumph was one of both economic liberalism — mass consumerism — and political liberalism — free and fair democratic elections, the rule of law and free speech. Ben Ansell, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024 Each episode is written and directed by a different team and gives a different flavor of scare, so while a couple of installments were inspired by H.P. Lovecraft stories, alien entities, ghosts, carnivorous rats, and consumerism pop up throughout the eight installments too. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024 The office sector continued to struggle in 2024, while an evolving economic climate, the growth of experiential consumerism and the ongoing quest to find tenants all challenged owners. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near consumerism

Cite this Entry

“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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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