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
Thomas Byrne Edsall 2
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
Examples of consumerism in a Sentence
concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
—Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
At other times, as the movie skitters from more ads to politicians and Vietnam War casualties, whatever the filmmakers hoped to say about the Lennon, Ono, America, consumerism, the society of the spectacle and so on, gets lost in a blur that becomes so much visual wallpaper.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
The conversation in fashion today is about conscious consumerism—buying fewer, better pieces that elevate and redefine a wardrobe.
—Karin Eldor, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Though rooted in self-love, these trends can blur the line between care and consumerism.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consumerism
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Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
At other times, as the movie skitters from more ads to politicians and Vietnam War casualties, whatever the filmmakers hoped to say about the Lennon, Ono, America, consumerism, the society of the spectacle and so on, gets lost in a blur that becomes so much visual wallpaper.
—Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
The conversation in fashion today is about conscious consumerism—buying fewer, better pieces that elevate and redefine a wardrobe.
—Karin Eldor, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Though rooted in self-love, these trends can blur the line between care and consumerism.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for consumerism
Cite this Entry
“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consumerism
noun
con·sum·er·ism
kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
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