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
Facing consumerism As these videos from Chinese manufacturers go viral, America’s dependence on Chinese and international supply chains are under a spotlight.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
The rise of Walmart also led to cheaper disposable products and wanton consumerism that led to massive criticism from environmentalists.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
—Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
At other times, as the movie skitters from more ads to politicians and Vietnam War casualties, whatever the filmmakers hoped to say about the Lennon, Ono, America, consumerism, the society of the spectacle and so on, gets lost in a blur that becomes so much visual wallpaper.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consumerism
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Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
The rise of Walmart also led to cheaper disposable products and wanton consumerism that led to massive criticism from environmentalists.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
—Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
At other times, as the movie skitters from more ads to politicians and Vietnam War casualties, whatever the filmmakers hoped to say about the Lennon, Ono, America, consumerism, the society of the spectacle and so on, gets lost in a blur that becomes so much visual wallpaper.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 10 Apr. 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 5 May. 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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