conspicuous consumption
5
7.9
- noun
- /kənˈspɪk.ju.əs kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/
- Once there, Ermo becomes enthralled by the twenty-five-inch TV she sees at the appliance store and falls prey to a kind of conspicuous consumption as she determines to purchase the TV for her family.
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Watch on YouTubeI don't want you to give a billion dollars to your children and grandchildren which they will then squander in conspicuous consumption.
- I don't want you to give a billion dollars to your children and grandchildren which they will then squander in conspicuous consumption.
Examples
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One retail researcher said, "We're moving from conspicuous consumption—which is 'buy without regard'—to calculated consumption."
Blog text (21) -
You look like you've done a bit of conspicuous consumption.
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Veblen is perhaps best known for his descriptions of conspicuous consumption.
Academic text (2002) -
Veblen introduced the idea of conspicuous consumption, or that people specifically buy goods as status symbols to cultivate this desire.
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A millionaire who amasses a fine collection of art and then gives it to a public institution is combining conspicuous consumption with civic generosity.
Academic text (1992) -
Many celebrities engage in conspicuous consumption by purchasing luxury cars and designer clothes to showcase their wealth.
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The lavish party was a clear example of conspicuous consumption, with extravagant decorations and gourmet food to impress the guests.
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In modern society, conspicuous consumption often takes the form of individuals showcasing their latest gadgets and high-end fashion on social media.
Synonyms
3
7.7
A very bright and fancy style that attracts attention in dress or manner
3
8.5
An act of showing off money or achievements to get attention
3
9.8
A very wasteful use of money or things that shows little care about cost
2
8.1
Doing dramatic things to get attention or praise
2
7.7
Acting like you are more important or more educated than you really are
1
6.8
Spending a lot of money in a wasteful way
1
6.3
An act of trying to get attention by doing dramatic moves
1
7.7
A way of living with expensive things, parties, and lots of spending
1
6.6
A way of using a lot of money or things to show wealth
1
9.9
Spending a lot of money in a wasteful, careless way
1
6.5
A style that is very bright or richly decorated to attract attention
1
9.1
A way of behaving that shows off wealth or style to impress others
1
9.9
Very rich and costly display that shows great wealth
1
9.2
A habit of wasting money by buying things you do not need
Antonyms
How Ostentatious
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and predictably built from the constituents: 'conspicuous' (easily noticeable) + 'consumption' (the act of using or buying), yielding 'noticeable/visible spending.' This composition maps naturally to the idea of spending to be seen or to display wealth, a pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will likely infer the intended meaning.
Etymology
Conspicuous consumption may come from the idea that conspicuous means easy to see and consumption means buying or using things, so people buy very visible items like fancy cars or big houses to 'show off'. That's why it means 'buying things to show off wealth or status'.