consumerism

[ kuhn-soo-muh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. a modern movement for the protection of the consumer against useless, inferior, or dangerous products, misleading advertising, unfair pricing, etc.
2. the concept that an ever-expanding consumption of goods is advantageous to the economy.
3. the fact or practice of an increasing consumption of goods:

   a critic of American consumerism.

consumerism

/ kənˈsjuːməˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. protection of the interests of consumers
2. advocacy of a high rate of consumption and spending as a basis for a sound economy

consumerism

1. A movement in the United States that seeks to protect consumers against shoddy or improperly labeled products. ( See Ralph Nader .)

Derived Forms

• conˈsumerist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• anti·con·sumer·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumerism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; consumer + -ism

Example Sentences

Rarely, though, has a plant-based protein brand knowingly leaned into the ambiguity around consumerism as a meaningful lever for climate action, as Plonts is doing.

From Salon

In 2021, California’s emissions rose by about 3.4% due to a surge in consumerism and the reawakening of the economy following the development of a vaccine.

From Los Angeles Times

Posting as the Garbage Queen, Wood made a video about the zero-waste movement, saying it sometimes produced counterproductive results that promoted consumerism and increased waste.

From Los Angeles Times

In less than six years, TikTok has become deeply woven into the fabric of American consumerism.

From Los Angeles Times

He has in the past released music addressing social issues, including drug addiction, consumerism and gay rights.

From BBC