A focus on buying and consuming goods as the main way people find happiness and show their identity and status in society.
From 'consumer' (one who consumes) plus '-ism' (a system or ideology). The term became common in the 20th century as mass production and advertising made shopping central to culture.
Consumerism is remarkably young—it barely existed before the 1900s, but now it shapes everything from identity to mental health. Marketing companies deliberately created the idea that buying things equals happiness!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.