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

Explanation

The noun consumerism refers to the theory that spending money and consuming goods is good for the economy. Opponents of consumerism suggest simple living is a more sustainable lifestyle and better for the environment. Consumerism comes from the verb consume, which is rooted in the Latin word consumere, meaning to use up or to waste. The noun consumerism also refers to a movement that promotes the interests of consumers — that is, people who purchase goods, use them, and then buy more — especially the protection of these consumers from things like fraud or price gouging.

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

“All these efforts to spend less, to save more, to discover things you can do without giving in to consumerism, there’s an added benefit, which is a sense of control,” Caro said.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 30, 2025

But impersonators, academics and even working Santas agree: Americans’ embrace of the Grinch in 2025 goes far beyond consumerism.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

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

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times