affluenza

noun

af·​flu·​en·​za ˌa-(ˌ)flü-ˈen-zə 

: the unhealthy and unwelcome psychological and social effects of affluence regarded especially as a widespread societal problem: such as

a

: feelings of guilt, lack of motivation, and social isolation experienced by wealthy people

A lack of motivation is one of many consequences of affluenza, said Jessie O'Neill, the granddaughter of a General Motors president who runs a project on affluenza.

—John Christoffersen

Affluenza—a "disease" that affects wealthy people, giving them symptoms that include a lack of motivation or guilt and a sense of isolation—continues to rise as a legal defense.

—Francis Emelogu

b

: extreme materialism and consumerism associated with the pursuit of wealth and success and resulting in a life of chronic dissatisfaction, debt, overwork, stress, and impaired relationships

Affluenza is particularly rampant in the United States, where we place a high priority on financial success and material possessions.

—David Hawkins

Examples of affluenza in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Riddled with affluenza and competitive to a fault, the Gordons, like the Roys, were formatively deprived of that all-important kiss from Daddy. — Judy Berman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025

The drunken driving case gained national outrage after Couch received no prison time in the initial manslaughter case after the affluenza plea, as CNN reported. — Linley Sanders, Teen Vogue, 2 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

blend of affluence and influenza

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for affluenza

• cadenza
• influenza
• parainfluenza