greenwashing

American  

[green-wosh-ing, -waw-shing] / ˈgrinˌwɒʃ ɪŋ, -ˌwɔ ʃɪŋ /

noun

1. an instance or practice of promoting or affiliating a brand, campaign, mission, etc., with environmentalism as a ploy to divert attention from policies and activities that are in fact antienvironmentalist.

   Car manufacturers have gone all-in on this greenwashing of fuel efficiency standards.

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Etymology

Origin of greenwashing

First recorded in 1985–90; greenwash ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Greenwashing is what a company does when it makes a good or service seem more environmentally friendly than it really is. Greenwashing can take a lot of different forms. A company may use words like "green" or "natural" to imply that their products and practices are sustainable, even if they're really not. An oil company may advertise its plans to protect endangered species and lower emissions, all while actually working to produce and sell more and more fossil fuels. In general, if a business spends more money on advertisements or other messaging that makes them seem environmentally friendly than on actually reducing their harmful environmental impact, they are practicing greenwashing.

Example Sentences

Many companies have proved wary of technologies that are in many cases little-proved, and are cautious about allegations of greenwashing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Otherwise, thrifting risks becoming another hashtag, buzzword, and greenwashing tactic used to sell us more clothing that we ultimately don’t need.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

Supporters of the legislation say it discourages corporate greenwashing, or marketing that falsely portrays a company’s efforts to reduce climate-warming emissions.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2025

Whether for or against Total, the ruling could have far-reaching impacts given the limited legal precedents so far with regards to greenwashing claims by fossil fuel giants.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

Environmental group River Action, which brought the complaint in 2023, said the ruling showed the scheme was "greenwashing" and urged supermarkets to stop using it.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025