consumerism

noun

con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
-mər-ˌi-
1
: the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable
also : a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods
… the contemporary marketplace is shaped solely by the craven needs of lowbrow consumerism … —Thomas B. Edsall
2
: the promotion of the consumer's interests
consumerist
kən-ˈsü-mə-rist How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
-mər-ist
noun or adjective
consumeristic
kən-ˌsü-mə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
-mər-ˈi-
adjective

Examples of consumerism in a Sentence

concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here, consumerism, the fashion industry, and the cruel state meet a scrappy protagonist. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Those artists were ironic and aloof, treating advertising and mass-media imagery as expressions of a broader fug of celebrity and consumerism. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Its themes of power, wealth, consumerism and American identity remain as relevant as ever. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 The suburban surge also coincided with growing consumerism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for consumerism

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumerism was in 1915

Phrases Containing consumerism

Rhymes for consumerism

See All Rhymes for consumerism

Browse Nearby Words

consumer goods
consumerism
consumer price index
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consumerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumerism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

consumerism

noun
con·​sum·​er·​ism kən-ˈsü-mə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce consumerism (audio)
: the promotion of the consumer's interests

More from Merriam-Webster on consumerism

Nglish: Translation of consumerism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consumerism

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