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

Alas, consumerism always appears to be someone else’s bad habit. —Literary Hub, 26 June 2025

Our cultural obsession with thinness is a relatively recent invention, born of fashion, patriarchy, and postwar consumerism. —Anne Marie Chaker, Time, 18 June 2025

Photo: United Film Distribution/Everett Collection Both a zombie epic and a treatise on how American consumerism dooms us into a dead-eyed existence, Dawn of the Dead is often considered to be George Romero’s finest hour. —Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 18 June 2025

In a world that encourages materialism and consumerism, choosing to leave space—even if only 20%—sends a powerful message to yourself and, possibly, inspires others to do the same. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 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