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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of affluenza

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

Example Sentences

“Monsters” is, among other things, a wicked parody of affluenza.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

But in the hands of the masterful novelist Dana Spiotta, “Wayward” becomes something else entirely — a mordant, coruscating indictment of these times, liberal politics, affluenza, self improvement and social identity.

From Washington Post • Aug. 6, 2021

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

The sentence sparked outrage from critics who ridiculed the affluenza defense and said his family's wealth helped the teen stay out of jail.

From Reuters • Apr. 12, 2016

Dallas attorney Peter Schulte said the new defense argument might be related to the "affluenza" claim that Couch was coddled into a sense of irresponsibility by his wealthy parents.

From US News • Jan. 19, 2016