greenwashing

1 of 2

noun

green·​wash·​ing ˈgrēn-ˌwȯ-shiŋ 

-ˌwä-

: the act or practice of making a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is

The practice of greenwashing appears more common as firms attempt to better position themselves in a global marketplace growing more concerned with corporate sustainability.

—Timothy W. Aurand et al.

Not only is greenwashing bad for the environment, but it's misleading to consumers who want to invest in products that aren't harmful to the planet.

—Jennifer Manfrin

The greenwashing allegation … adds to efforts to heap pressure on some of the world's biggest polluting companies as regulators take an increasing interest in climate change.

—William Mathis and Austin Weinstein Bloomberg

A lack of rigorous measurement means that greenwashing is rife and bogus claims go uncontested.

—The Economist

greenwashing

2 of 2

present participle of greenwash

Examples of greenwashing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Running Patagonia is a balancing act on a tightrope performed under a microscope, in a time plagued by greenwashing and corporate mistrust. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

In any case, despite critics’ cries of greenwashing and corporate astroturfing, there is still value to these devices. —Kat Merck, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025

Such an approach could entail less greenwashing and less bureaucracy and a much greater emphasis on results. —Antoine Rostand, Time, 21 Apr. 2025

Susan Thomas, director of policy and press for Just Transition Northwest Indiana, said in a statement that the project was a false solution and greenwashing attempt. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

greenwash entry 1 + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for greenwashing

• brainwashing
• handwashing
• whitewashing
• quashing
• sloshing
• squashing
• washing