consumerism
nounUS /kənˈsumərɪzm̩/ · UK /kənˈsjumərɪzm̩/
Etymology From consumer + -ism.
1
A materialistic attachment to possessions with a heavy use of consumables; a lifestyle based on such tendencies.
- The fear of corporatism, consumerism, middle-browism and a mass reading public has driven twentieth-century cultural hierarchists.1996, C. Bloom, Cult Fiction: Popular Reading and Pulp Theory, page 113:
- Insatiable consumerism has blinkered our vision and left us unable to distinguish between what we need and what we merely want.2015 June 28, Paul Vallely, “The Pope's Ecological Vow”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 27 Feb 2021:
2 more examples
- It’s easy to say, as I often do, that it’s capitalism at work. Yet I am actively involved in consumerism, triggered by my insecurities.2024 August 8, Angela Garbes, “Menopause tests and anti-ageing face oils: welcome to midlife consumerism”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 20 Aug 2024:
- “It’s where cultural identity and cheap viral consumerism intersect,” D. Andrew Price, head of content at Memes Media Group, said of how Mr. Kirk’s T-shirt has proliferated in recent days.2025 September 14, Alexander Nazaryan, quoting D. Andrew Price, “‘Freedom’ Shirt Becomes a Meme and an Instant Commodity”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 14 Sep 2025:
2
An economic theory that increased consumption is beneficial to a nation's economy in the long run.
3
A policy or social movement of protecting and informing consumers through honesty in advertising and packaging, as well as improved safety standards, among other measures.
- Derived terms
- anticonsumerism, hyperconsumerism, over-consumerism, political consumerism, postconsumerism
- Related terms
- anticonsumption, conspicuous consumption, consumerist, consumerization, consumerize, commercialism, throwaway society