consumerism

[kuhn-soo-muh-riz-uhm] / kənˈsu məˌrɪz əm /

NOUN

ever-expanding consumption of goods

Synonyms

WEAK

business capitalism commercialism industrialism merchandising trading

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zombies doubling as a metaphor for consumerism or groupthink?

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

It’s been suggested that what’s driven this bucket-list fascination in recent years is plain ol’ consumerism, as in we want to buy our way to a life of great accomplishment.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

Japan has a tiny Christian majority and Christmas is a secular festival of full-bore consumerism complete with Santa, gifts and streetlights.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

“The fact that it feels good to buy stuff isn’t going anywhere,” said Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan who researches consumerism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Marketers have had to adjust their strategies in this fluid world of consumerism.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times