consumerism
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
The belief or practice of buying goods in ever increasing amounts, often seen as central to a healthy economy or, critically, as excessive materialism.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "Critics argue that _____ encourages people to define happiness through what they own."
Answer: consumerism
In your own words, what does "consumerism" mean?
The belief or practice of buying goods in ever increasing amounts, often seen as central to a healthy economy or, critically, as excessive materialism.
Learn next at B1
- consumption The act of using, eating, or drinking something, especially in a state...
- contaminate To make something impure or harmful by adding a dirty, poisonous, or u...
- contemplate To think about something carefully and for a long time.
- contend To argue that something is true, or to struggle to deal with a difficu...
- contentious Likely to cause disagreement or argument.
- context The circumstances or background information that help explain an event...