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

The rhetoric may emphasize eco-consciousness and ethical leadership, but the execution often looks more like corporate greenwashing than genuine sustainability. —Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

The inclusion of mandatory third-party assurance for sustainability reports underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring data reliability and combating greenwashing. —Ted Kail, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Though greenwashing remains a valid concern, upmarket hotels increasingly view sustainability as integral to the future of their brands — and many are proving so through action not just words. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

To reduce exposure to harmful substances, producers must look beyond greenwashing and advocate for systemic change—whether through stricter regulations, scientific advancements in hazard assessment, or the revival of traditional, non-toxic alternatives. —Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 17 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