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

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

Phil Rinn was among those who felt the momentum needed to continue through a general strike, halting the flow of work and consumerism until substantial changes were made. —Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025

The film’s whimsical marketing campaign has focused on Tatum’s gleeful roller-skating and dancing in that bastion of ’90s consumerism, but Roofman itself is a slippier thing. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025

The ruthless cruelty of capitalism and the hollowness of consumerism are evident in his exhibition. —Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

The design contributions all nicely underline the notion of lives lived almost entirely for consumerism. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025

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
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

consumerism

noun

con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm 

: the promotion of the consumer's interests