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
For ‘day-ones,’ that loyalty extends beyond mere consumerism; it’s tied to a sense of identity and pride.
—Ebony Flake, Essence, 29 Mar. 2024
American culture, saturated with hollow nostalgia, consumerism and the militarism of the Reagan administration, seemed a dead end for Europeans looking for an alternative to the political malaise of the late 1980s.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024
Its blend of Asian convenience and American consumerism could not exist without the free flow of people and ideas across borders and the contributions of immigrants.
—Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
This global perspective reveals how themes of consumerism and mass media resonate across different cultures, highlighting the universal language of Pop Art.
—Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Adidas was the pivotal point for Stoute, as mentioned in his best-selling book The Tanning of America, outlining the impact of hip-hop music over a culture driven by early signs of consumerism.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
Oh, the delicate needle to be threaded between climate-conscious consumerism and not consuming so damn much.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024
This educational initiative offers you a deeper understanding of the artistic materials and processes used by Pop artists, reflecting on consumerism's impact on society and the environment.
—Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Black Friday was once a hallmark celebration of American consumerism.
—J. Edward Moreno, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023
Ebony Flake, Essence, 29 Mar. 2024
American culture, saturated with hollow nostalgia, consumerism and the militarism of the Reagan administration, seemed a dead end for Europeans looking for an alternative to the political malaise of the late 1980s.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024
Its blend of Asian convenience and American consumerism could not exist without the free flow of people and ideas across borders and the contributions of immigrants.
—Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
This global perspective reveals how themes of consumerism and mass media resonate across different cultures, highlighting the universal language of Pop Art.
—Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Adidas was the pivotal point for Stoute, as mentioned in his best-selling book The Tanning of America, outlining the impact of hip-hop music over a culture driven by early signs of consumerism.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024
Oh, the delicate needle to be threaded between climate-conscious consumerism and not consuming so damn much.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024
This educational initiative offers you a deeper understanding of the artistic materials and processes used by Pop artists, reflecting on consumerism's impact on society and the environment.
—Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Black Friday was once a hallmark celebration of American consumerism.
—J. Edward Moreno, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consumerism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near consumerism
Cite this Entry
“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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