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

Example Sentences

But factories and businesses in the mountainous district say the age-old tradition is struggling against weak consumerism, with even the approaching Lunar New Year failing to boost sales.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Zombies doubling as a metaphor for consumerism or groupthink?

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

What’s driven this bucket-list fascination in recent years is plain ol’ consumerism, as in we want to buy our way to a life of great accomplishment.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

Some fans and critics of the singer are questioning whether Swift is overexposed or if her recent work is feeding a culture of consumerism.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Marketers have had to adjust their strategies in this fluid world of consumerism.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times