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 film is a fable about intimacy and consumerism set in a dystopian version of Paris where romantic touch, especially the kiss, is forbidden, punishable by death. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2025

Because a sheet mask is not even a very subtle nod to what the beauty industry rebranded as self-care, but is really consumerism that keeps women trapped in an endless cycle of self-consciousness regarding their appearance. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 Nov. 2025

Some pop art, particularly from British artists, focused on the ways in which consumerism affects everyday life and took on a more confrontational tone. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025

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

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