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 B. Edsall

2

: the promotion of the consumer's interests

consumerist

kən-ˈsü-mə-rist 

-mər-ist

noun or adjective

consumeristic

kən-ˌsü-mə-ˈri-stik 

-mər-ˈi-

adjective

Examples of consumerism in a Sentence

concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers

Recent Examples on the Web

Because if the objection were simply to wealth, consumerism, vanity, or profiting from attention, our contempt would be distributed much more evenly. — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026

In many ways, these doodads seem like an offshoot of the ongoing craze for NeeDoh squish toys, which likewise offer the comforts of the stress ball and vital early lessons in consumerism. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026

This chronic consumerism has been linked to a spiral which can lead to a disconnect between spiritual and material success. — Mimosa Jones Tunney, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The supermarket, which also includes a pharmacy, video rental aisles, and a photo kiosk, explores the rise of late 20th century consumerism, when sellers and buyers alike opted for speed over taste. — Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing consumerism

• anti-consumerism

Rhymes for consumerism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

Kids Definition

consumerism

noun

con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm 

: the promotion of the consumer's interests