consumerist
consumerist — adjective
1. describing a society, culture, or way of life in which people spend a lot of mon
describing a society, culture, or way of life in which people spend a lot of money on goods and items they do not truly need, often because advertising and social pressures encourage this behaviour.
Many critics argue that modern consumerist culture encourages people to buy things they cannot afford.
collocation: consumerist culture / consumerist society
The religious festival has become a highly consumerist shopping event.
describes a transformed tradition
Amara stepped away from her consumerist lifestyle and began making her own clothes.
As his neighbourhood grew more consumerist, Lukas watched local shops close.
Marco's consumerist mindset drove him to upgrade his phone every six months, even when his old one worked perfectly.
- materialistic
focuses on valuing possessions and wealth over other things; more personal than 'consumerist'
- commercialised
describes something that has been made too focused on making money
- minimalist
describes a lifestyle with few possessions and simple needs
- anti-consumerist
opposed to consumerism
用法筆記
Frequently used before nouns such as 'society', 'culture', 'lifestyle', and 'mindset'. Carries a mildly critical tone — the speaker or writer typically sees the behaviour as excessive or misguided.
常見錯誤
consumerist — noun
1. a person who believes that a strong economy depends on people buying large quant
a person who believes that a strong economy depends on people buying large quantities of goods and services, and who supports policies that encourage high levels of spending.
As a consumerist, Farid argued that cutting taxes would make people spend more.
noun referring to a person with a specific economic belief
A radio debate pitted an activist against a consumerist who called shopping a job creator.
Critics called the plan's supporters mindless consumerists who put growth above the planet.
Ingrid wrote that consumerists had shaped the country's economic policy for decades.
- pro-growth advocate
broader term; focuses on economic expansion rather than specifically consumption
- minimalist
a person who chooses to live with few possessions
用法筆記
Often used in political or economic discussions. Can be neutral (describing someone's position) or pejorative (criticising someone as caring only about consumption). The context determines the tone.
常見錯誤
2. a person who works to protect the interests of buyers, for example by demanding
a person who works to protect the interests of buyers, for example by demanding safe products, honest advertising, and fair prices from companies.
Consumerists have pushed for clearer warning labels on household cleaning products.
subject: plural noun referring to advocates
After the data breach, consumerists demanded free credit monitoring for affected customers.
After a faulty car seat hurt his daughter, Kwame became a consumerist.
Consumerists sued the airline for hiding extra fees in its ticket fine print.
Thuy, a consumerist, works at a non-profit that tests household products for safety.
- consumer advocate
more common term; 'consumerist' in this sense is slightly more formal or technical
- consumer protection activist
emphasises the activist, campaigning aspect
- corporate lobbyist
someone who represents business interests rather than consumer interests
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 'PRO-CONSUMPTION ADVOCATE': this sense refers to protecting buyers from harm or unfair treatment, while sense 1 refers to promoting spending as an economic good. The two meanings are nearly opposite in practical goals.