consumer goods

American  

[kuhn-soo-mer goodz] / kənˈsu mər ˌgʊdz /

plural noun

Economics.

1. goods that are bought and used in satisfaction of human wants, as clothing, food, or appliances, and are not utilized in any further production (contrasted with capital goods).

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consumer goods British  

plural noun

1. goods that satisfy personal needs rather than those required for the production of other goods or services Compare capital goods

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consumer goods Cultural  

1. Goods, such as food and clothing, that satisfy human wants through their consumption or use. (Compare capital goods.)

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Etymology

Origin of consumer goods

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Consumer goods conglomerates have been trying to slim down their operations as they struggle to deal with stubborn inflation and slow growth.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark Corp. announced Monday a deal to buy Kenvue Inc., ending months of speculation about the future of the embattled maker of Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Listerine.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 3, 2025

Consumer goods giants from PepsiCo to Kraft Heinz have described recently how the combination of high inflation and higher interest rates is hurting their lower-income customers.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

Consumer goods makers and retailers investing in sustainably made products after years of shopper outcry, say they face an uphill struggle convincing people to switch when those products cost more or look inferior.

From Reuters • Sep. 7, 2023

Consumer goods have had lower priority, and the     product mix has not mirrored household preferences.

From The 1992 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency