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

But it has plenty to pitch concerning the joys and burdens of conspicuous consumption.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2025

Vance’s critique of conspicuous consumption among the poor is something everyone should consider.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2024

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