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consumerism - 3 dictionary results

con⋅sum⋅er⋅ism

[kuhn-soo-muh-riz-uhm]
–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
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.

consumerism

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

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