conspicuous consumption: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “conspicuous consumption” mean?
The act of buying and using expensive goods, services, or luxuries in a public way to display one's wealth and high social status, rather than to meet real needs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of buying and using expensive goods, services, or luxuries in a public way to display one's wealth and high social status, rather than to meet real needs.
A social and economic term describing consumption intended to signal economic power and social standing. Often used critically to highlight wasteful expenditure on luxury for the sake of social comparison and prestige. Can be applied to individuals, groups, or entire societies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The concept is equally understood and applied in both socio-economic contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same critical/sociological connotation. It is not a neutral term for 'buying luxuries'.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the strong association with the American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen, who coined the term.
Grammar
How to Use “conspicuous consumption” in a Sentence
The [adjective] conspicuous consumption of [group/person]To engage in conspicuous consumptionConspicuous consumption is evident in...A culture/era of conspicuous consumptionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conspicuous consumption” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The newly rich footballer conspicuously consumed a fleet of supercars.
- They are often accused of conspicuous consuming.
American English
- The tech mogul conspicuously consumed a private island.
- The trend involves conspicuously consuming limited-edition sneakers.
adverb
British English
- He spent his bonus quite conspicuously-consumptively on a diamond watch.
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb)
American English
- They live conspicuously-consumptively in a gated community with multiple yachts.
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb)
adjective
British English
- Their conspicuous-consumption lifestyle was documented in the tabloids.
- It was a conspicuous-consumption purchase, pure and simple.
American English
- The event was a conspicuous-consumption extravaganza.
- He made a conspicuous-consumption move by buying the penthouse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing to describe target consumer behaviour or in critiques of corporate executive compensation and perks.
Academic
A core term in sociology, economics, and cultural studies, tracing back to Veblen's 'Theory of the Leisure Class' (1899).
Everyday
Used in discussions about celebrities, influencers, or wealthy individuals spending lavishly on visible items like cars, watches, or fashion.
Technical
Specifically refers to consumption where the utility derived is primarily from its public visibility and status-enhancement, not intrinsic functionality.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conspicuous consumption”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conspicuous consumption”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conspicuous consumption”
- Using it to mean simply 'buying expensive things'. The 'conspicuous' (public, showy) aspect is essential.
- Pronouncing 'conspicuous' as /kɒnˈspɪk.ju.əs/ (wrong vowel on first syllable).
- Misspelling as 'conspicious'.
- Treating it as a positive or neutral term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1899 book 'The Theory of the Leisure Class'.
In its original sociological use and in most critical discourse, yes, it implies wastefulness and status anxiety. However, in neutral economic analysis, it describes a type of consumer behaviour without moral judgement.
Concepts like 'conspicuous non-consumption', 'frugality', 'minimalism', or 'understatement'. 'Stealth wealth' is a modern term where rich individuals deliberately avoid visible displays of wealth.
Yes. The term applies to any economic level. Buying a premium smartphone brand largely for its status symbol, or taking on debt for an expensive wedding to impress others, can be forms of middle-class conspicuous consumption.
The act of buying and using expensive goods, services, or luxuries in a public way to display one's wealth and high social status, rather than to meet real needs.
Conspicuous consumption is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Conspicuous consumption: in British English it is pronounced /kənˌspɪk.ju.əs kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˌspɪk.ju.əs kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keeping up with the Joneses (related concept)”
- “Flashing the cash (related, but more vulgar/colloquial)”
- “A Veblen good (a related economic term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **CONSPICUOUS** (very noticeable) person **CONSUMING** (buying/using) a giant gold-plated smartphone in a crowded cafe. The act is all about being seen consuming luxury.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS A PUBLIC DISPLAY. CONSUMPTION IS A SOCIAL WEAPON/TOOL. MONEY IS VISIBILITY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates 'conspicuous consumption'?