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

The show involved bizarre, absurdist comedy premises — in one episode, a man drowns in a bowl of Mary’s chicken soup — and satirized the effects of consumerism on the American housewife. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 July 2026

Its themes of power, wealth, consumerism and American identity remain as relevant as ever. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Children do not necessarily equate love with volume of gifts, and many parents today are actively trying to reduce clutter, overstimulation, and consumerism. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

The suburban surge also coincided with growing consumerism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 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