Consumerism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Consumerism is the social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, often linking personal happiness to material possessions.
Definition:
The preoccupation with acquiring goods and services, often linked to materialism.
Synonyms:
materialism, commercialism, acquisitiveness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
minimalism, asceticism
Common Collocations:
consumer culture, rampant consumerism, modern consumerism, excessive consumerism
Derivatives:
consumerist, consumeristic
Usage Tips:
Use "consumerism" to describe societal focus on buying goods, often critically or analytically.
Common Phrases:
culture of consumerism, rise of consumerism, critique of consumerism
Etymology:
Derived from "consume," from Latin "consumere," meaning to use up or spend, with the suffix "-ism."
Examples:
- 1. Consumerism drives people to buy unnecessary items.
- 2. Many criticize consumerism for harming the environment.
- 3. Advertising fuels consumerism by creating artificial desires.
- 4. Consumerism peaked during the holiday shopping season.