consumerism
kuhn-SOO-muh-riz-uhm
/kənˈsjuː.mə.rɪ.zəm/
A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.
Refers to both the macro-level economic ideology promoting high consumption and the cultural lifestyle focused on shopping.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'consumere', meaning 'to use up, devour, or waste completely'. The modern term evolved in the mid-20th century to describe economic models dependent on continuous buying.
Word relationships
- materialism: Materialism focuses on valuing physical possessions over spiritual values, whereas consumerism emphasizes the cycle of purchasing and market expansion.
- frugality: Frugality represents prudent avoidance of waste and unnecessary buying, directly opposing consumerism.
Commonly confused with
- commercialism: Commercialism is the business effort to maximize profit, while consumerism is the buyer mindset and cultural system.
Word family
- consumer (noun): A person who purchases goods and services for personal use.
- consume (verb): To buy, use up, or devour.
Collocations
- unchecked consumerism
- rampant consumerism
- modern consumerism
- rise of consumerism
Example sentences
- "Critics argue that unchecked consumerism depletes natural resources while failing to increase long-term human happiness." Socioeconomic Analysis
Memory hook
Think of a giant mouth CONSUMING endless shopping bags. Consuming goods without end.
When not to use
Do not confuse with simple purchasing power; consumerism implies an ideological or systemic drive toward shopping.
Fun facts
- The term was originally used in the 1960s to defend consumer rights before it became a term describing over-purchasing.
Related words
Explore more words
overconsumption, Consumer, consumption, capitalism, dematerialization, utility
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