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 promise of conscious consumerism never really grappled with the fact that the core problem is overconsumption itself—and global demand for clothes, shoes, and cheap products has continued to climb. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 23 May 2026

The multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, who rocks an early era Maxwell ‘fro, plays drums, plucks bass, and sings about the ups and downs of love and consumerism on his new album, LK99. —Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2026

The target of his satire is not just the wealthy, castle-dwelling Jo Stoyte, clearly modeled on Hearst, but American society writ large, with its trashy consumerism and childish veneration of riches. —Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Still, the era of sustainable fashion that Everlane represents seems to be fading—as does the concept that ethical consumerism alone can eliminate the clothing industry’s worst practices. —Elizabeth Cline, The Atlantic, 19 May 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