consumerism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consumerism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the cultural and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. Example: "The rise of consumerism has led to significant changes in societal values, prioritizing material wealth over sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beyond the immediate knee-jerk responses, though, Scott appears to have designed a pair of trainers that actually carry a deep social statement about the enslaving nature of consumerism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those shackles might spark a discussion about the character and psychology of consumerism today, and the relationship between brands and consumers.

The Guardian - Opinion

His idealisation of an ascetic lifestyle and explicit denunciations of consumerism are clearly hard to reconcile with his multimillionaire status.

The Guardian - Books

Snaking down a narrow, crowded street, with plastic signs in Cantonese overhead, it feels exactly as you imagine Hong Kong should, and it's easy to be swept away on a wave of giddy consumerism.

The Guardian - Travel

Since the end of the cold war, metropolitan elites everywhere have identified progress and modernity with the cornucopia of global capitalism, the consolidation of liberal democratic regimes and the secular ethic of consumerism.

The Guardian - Opinion

But places such as Edmonton (and Croydon and Acton) remind us of the capital's role as a site of production, not just exotic consumerism.

The Guardian

There were sharp observations on Christmas consumerism and quietly furious political asides.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Vince Cable, one of the few at Westminster to have warned in advance of debt-fuelled consumerism, has already been elevated to that status.

The Guardian

And as of 1917, at least some Americans were evidently beginning to recognise that consumerism and mass marketing were teaching them what to want, and that rises of fortune would be measured by the acquisition of status symbols.

The Guardian - Books

No communing with nature or renouncing hollow consumerism: no, I calmed down by assembling an Ikea chest of drawers.

The Guardian - Opinion

He worries repeatedly about the effects of consumerism on the psychological makeup of the consumer, who may become a "slave" to pleasure, and who may become so caught up in a cycle of false pleasure and unsatisfying satisfaction as to lose touch with any real needs: "Why do you have property overseas?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "consumerism", clarify whether you are referring to its economic impact, cultural influence, or ethical implications to ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "consumerism" as a blanket term for all economic activity. Be specific about whether you're discussing wasteful spending, economic growth, or cultural values associated with consumption.

Linguistic Context

The noun "consumerism" functions as a subject or object in sentences, representing the concept or practice of increased consumption of goods. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in discussions about economic theory, social commentary, and cultural impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "consumerism" is a commonly used noun that refers to the theory that increased consumption is beneficial to a nation's economy or a materialistic attachment to possessions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As evidenced by examples from Ludwig, it is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify whether you're discussing the economic, cultural, or ethical aspects of "consumerism". Alternatives like "materialism" or "consumer culture" can offer nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consumptionism

Synonymous with consumerism. Very few differences. Consumptionism is more focused on the single act of consuming while consumerism encompasses a broader range of behaviors

Consumer culture

Emphasizes the cultural aspects and societal norms around consumption.

Materialism

Focuses more on the attachment to material possessions rather than the economic aspect.

Commercialism

Focuses on the promotion of goods and services for profit.

Consumption-driven economy

Specifically refers to the economic model where growth is dependent on consumer spending.

The throw-away society

Highlights the tendency to discard items quickly, fueling constant consumption.

Acquisitiveness

Focuses on the desire to acquire more goods and possessions.

Spendthriftiness

Emphasizes the habit of spending money freely and extravagantly.

Shopaholicism

Refers to compulsive shopping behavior.

Market fundamentalism

Highlights the belief that markets and consumption should drive societal decisions.

FAQs

What are the different types of "consumerism"?

The term "consumerism" can refer to various behaviors, including ethical consumerism, compulsive consumerism, and sustainable consumption. Each focuses on different aspects of consumer behavior and its impact.

What are some negative effects of "consumerism"?

Negative effects of "consumerism" can include environmental degradation, increased debt, and a focus on material possessions over personal well-being. It's often associated with unsustainable practices and social inequalities.

How does "materialism" relate to "consumerism"?

Materialism is a key component of "consumerism", emphasizing the importance of acquiring material possessions. However, "consumerism" also includes the broader economic and social systems that support and encourage this behavior.

What are some alternatives to "consumerism"?

Alternatives to "consumerism" include minimalism, sustainable living, and prioritizing experiences over material goods. These approaches aim to reduce reliance on constant consumption.