consumerism

American  

[kuhn-soo-muh-riz-uhm] / kənˈsu məˌrɪz əm /

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.

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consumerism British  

/ 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

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consumerism Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• anticonsumerism
  noun
• consumerist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of consumerism

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

Explanation

The noun consumerism refers to the theory that spending money and consuming goods is good for the economy. Opponents of consumerism suggest simple living is a more sustainable lifestyle and better for the environment. Consumerism comes from the verb consume, which is rooted in the Latin word consumere, meaning to use up or to waste. The noun consumerism also refers to a movement that promotes the interests of consumers — that is, people who purchase goods, use them, and then buy more — especially the protection of these consumers from things like fraud or price gouging.

Example Sentences

She has also worked as a senior reporter for Vox.com, covering Big Consumerism, and as a fashion features writer for Racked.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Consumerism is a frequent theme at Von Ammon Co. gallery, so it’s unsurprising that its current show resembles a boutique, albeit an unusually gloomy one.

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2023

"Consumerism has grown beyond the infrastructure. Our ships are able to bypass this due to our flexible unloading and loading operations. We are detaching ourselves from the market that has let our environment down."

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2023

Consumerism was at an all-time high and Western franchises — notably Baskin-Robbins, Mister Donut and The Original Pancake House — were successfully being introduced nationwide.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2022

Consumerism has given lots of power to corporations.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2018