consumerism

[kuhn-soo-muh-riz-uhm]

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.

consumerism

/ 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

consumerism

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

Other Word Forms

• consumerist noun
• anticonsumerism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumerism¹

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

Example Sentences

More than any of her contemporaries, Swift has made herself synonymous with modern consumerism.

From Salon

The result is a sustained collision between unfettered consumerism, gender-role anxiety and entrenched beliefs about what kinds of love are valid and meaningful.

From Salon

Back in Texas, Buck tells me he and his fellow converts are turning their backs on instant gratification and American consumerism.

From BBC

"There are definitely some indicators that the rise of consumerism in America is beginning to slow"

From Salon

The craze is a peak example of mass consumerism that’s fueled and intensified by social media.

From Salon