conspicuous consumption

American  

noun

1. public enjoyment of possessions that are known to be costly so that one's ability to pay for such things is flaunted.

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conspicuous consumption British  

noun

1. spending in a lavish or ostentatious way, esp to impress others with one's wealth

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conspicuous consumption Cultural  

1. Buying unnecessary and expensive products and services as a way to show off wealth. The term was coined by U.S. economist Thorstein Veblen in The Theory of the Leisure Class.

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Etymology

Origin of conspicuous consumption

Used by Thorstein Veblen in The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899)

Example Sentences

You risk breaking the finance-bro code by flashing signs of conspicuous consumption or daring to deviate from the norm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The best things in life may not always be free, but there’s plenty you can do with or without your money that does not involve conspicuous consumption.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

It’s their money, and too many Angelenos do love conspicuous consumption.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Pregnancy can be privatizing, and it is fitting that it registers in conspicuous consumption.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

But despite his aversion to money and conspicuous consumption, Chris’s political leanings could not be described as liberal.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer