affluenza

American  

[af-loo-en-zuh] / ˌæf luˈɛn zə /

noun

1. the negative psychological or behavioral effects of having or pursuing wealth, as irresponsible acts and feelings of self-doubt or guilt.

2. excessive materialism or desire for wealth, associated with negative effects.

   workaholics afflicted with affluenza.

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affluenza British  

/ ˌæflʊˈɛnzə /

noun

1. Also called: sudden-wealth syndrome.  the guilt or lack of motivation experienced by people who have made or inherited large amounts of money

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Etymology

Origin of affluenza

1970–75; blend of affluence ( def. ) and influenza ( def. )

Example Sentences

John de Graaf and his co-authors explain in Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, “It’s as if we Americans, despite our intentions, suffer from some kind of Willpower Deficiency Syndrome, a breakdown in affluenza immunity.”

From Slate • May 5, 2016

Then there’s Affluenza Teen who stupidly tipped off the police by ordering a Domino’s pizza while in Mexico.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2016

After the publication of her 1997 book The Golden Ghetto: The Psychology of Affluence, O’Neill founded The Affluenza Project, which includes her private practice to treat money-borne maladies.

From The Guardian • Jan. 4, 2016

When Vivia Boe and I produced the popular PBS special Affluenza in 1997, we had no idea how the word would be used nearly two decades later. 

From Time • Dec. 15, 2013

Laura Musikanski, formerly of Sustainable Seattle, and John de Graff, author/filmmaker of "Affluenza," will discuss the rise of postwar consumerism.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2012