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.)

Other Word Forms

• anticonsumerism noun
• consumerist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumerism¹

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

Example Sentences

“The fact that it feels good to buy stuff isn’t going anywhere,” said Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan who researches consumerism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With David funding her every whim, Jackie discovers the joys of consumerism as her family expands along with her credit line.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When will we all be worn down by stupid consumerism?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Plus, a focus on green consumerism with recycled fashion sites like ThredUp and Depop means it doesn’t take much for trends to cycle back in vogue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ron’s career casts him as a cog in the grand machinery of consumerism.

Read more on Salon