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

The show deftly veers between comedy and tragedy, using a local news staple’s breakdown to issue dire warnings about consumerism and global warming. —Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025

The work—in a way, a series of encounters with random elements of one-click consumerism, including coloring books and marketing guides for dentists—is tedious, repetitive, and demoralizing. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025

Her version of conscious consumerism. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

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

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