C1nounsocietymoney
US/kənˈsuː.mə.rɪ.zəm/
UK/kənˈsjuː.mə.rɪ.zəm/
the belief that buying and owning more things is important, or the habit of doing so
In context
Many people blame consumerism for the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Advertising encourages consumerism by making us feel we always need something new.
Globalization has spread consumerism to countries where families once bought only what they needed.
Words that go with consumerism
adjective + noun
- rampant consumerismRampant consumerism is damaging the planet.
verb + noun
- fuel consumerismCheap credit has fueled consumerism for decades.
- encourage consumerismSales and special offers encourage consumerism.
- reject consumerismSome young people reject consumerism and live with fewer things.
noun + preposition
- culture of consumerismWe live in a culture of consumerism.
- consumerism andConsumerism and waste are closely linked.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a consumerismCorrect: consumerism