consumerism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “consumerism” mean?
A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.
1) The preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods. 2) (Often pejorative) The theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial. 3) The protection or promotion of consumer interests (a rarer, advocacy-related sense).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or spelling. The advocacy sense is slightly more historical in both, but marginally more preserved in British legal/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in critical discourse in both varieties. The neutral/descriptive usage is found in economics texts.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in socio-economic and environmental discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “consumerism” in a Sentence
the consumerism of [noun phrase] (e.g., the consumerism of the post-war era)consumerism driven by [noun phrase]a critique/criticism of consumerismto promote/decry/fuel consumerismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consumerism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No direct verb form. Use 'to consume' or phrases like 'to engage in consumerism'.
American English
- No direct verb form. Use 'to consume' or phrases like 'to promote consumerism'.
adverb
British English
- consumeristically (extremely rare)
American English
- consumeristically (extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- consumerist (e.g., a consumerist society)
- anti-consumerist
American English
- consumerist (e.g., consumerist values)
- anti-consumerist
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in market analysis to describe consumer behavior trends, e.g., 'The report examines the drivers of modern consumerism.'
Academic
A key term in sociology, economics, and cultural studies, often critically examined, e.g., 'Her thesis explores the environmental costs of late-capitalist consumerism.'
Everyday
Used in discussions about shopping, holidays, or environmental issues, e.g., 'I'm trying to avoid all the consumerism around Christmas this year.'
Technical
Used in economic theory (e.g., Keynesian demand management) and in sustainability studies quantifying resource use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “consumerism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “consumerism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consumerism”
- Using 'consumerism' to mean 'being a consumer' (correct: 'consumer behavior'). Confusing it with 'capitalism' (consumerism is a specific feature or consequence of some capitalist systems). Misspelling as 'consumism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is predominantly used in a critical or analytical sense. In standard economic discourse, it can be a neutral term describing a system reliant on high consumption.
Consumerism focuses on the act of acquiring goods (the system/behavior). Materialism is the philosophical or personal value system that places importance on material possessions over spiritual or intellectual values.
Historically, yes (e.g., 'consumerism movement'), but this usage is now rare and potentially confusing. 'Consumer advocacy', 'consumer protection', or 'consumer rights' are clearer choices.
No. The related verb is 'to consume'. You cannot 'consumerism' something. Use phrases like 'to engage in consumerism' or 'to promote consumerism'.
A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.
Consumerism is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Consumerism: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈsjuːmərɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈsuːmərɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not idiom-rich. Often part of phrases like] 'the engine of consumerism', 'trapped in a cycle of consumerism'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONSUME + -ER + -ISM. It's the 'ism' (the ideology/system) focused on the 'consumer' (the one who 'consumes' goods).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSUMERISM IS AN ENGINE (driving the economy); CONSUMERISM IS A DISEASE (rampant, sickening society); CONSUMERISM IS A RELIGION (with its own rituals and cathedrals/malls).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'consumerism' LEAST likely to have a negative connotation?