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consumerism

 - 3 dictionary results

con⋅sum⋅er⋅ism

  [kuhn-soo-muh-riz-uhm]
Use consumerism in a Sentence
–noun
1. a modern movement for the protection of the consumer against useless, inferior, or dangerous products, misleading advertising, unfair pricing, etc.
2. the concept that an ever-expanding consumption of goods is advantageous to the economy.
3. the fact or practice of an increasing consumption of goods: a critic of American consumerism.
Origin:
1940–45, Americanism; consumer + -ism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To consumerism
con·sum·er·ism   (kən-sōō'mə-rĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. The movement seeking to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety standards.

  2. The theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial.

  3. Attachment to materialistic values or possessions: deplored the rampant consumerism of contemporary society.

con·sum'er·ist n., con·sum'er·is'tic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

consumerism

A movement in the United States that seeks to protect consumers against shoddy or improperly labeled products. (See Ralph Nader.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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