materialistic

[ muh-teer-ee-uh-lis-tik ]

adjective

1. excessively concerned with physical comforts or the acquisition of wealth and material possessions, rather than with spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.
2. adhering to the philosophy of materialism, a theory that regards matter as constituting the universe and all its phenomena.

Other Words From

• ma·teri·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·ma·teri·al·istic adjective
• anti·ma·teri·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• nonma·teri·al·istic adjective
• nonma·teri·al·isti·cal·ly adverb
• semi·ma·teri·al·istic adjective
• unma·teri·al·istic adjective
• unma·teri·al·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of materialistic¹

materialist + -ic

Example Sentences

He cares little about materialistic notions of success.

From Los Angeles Times

Later they turn to kingly and materialistic protections against their wandering.

From Salon

"The data showed that a stronger materialistic approach goes hand in hand with a tendency to compare oneself with others," points out Phillip Ozimek.

From Science Daily

Adriana and Carmela have also been able to level up their materialistic lifestyle, benefitting from and Christopher's access to power and social standings in their mob community.

From Salon

Mr. Morgan conceded that his new compatriots could be provincial, bigoted and crassly materialistic.

From New York Times

Related Words

• greedy
• profane
• secular
• sensual
• temporal