conspicuous consumption
/kənˈspɪkjuəs kənˈsʌmpʃən/
Meaning
This term refers to the practice of purchasing and using expensive goods and services primarily to publicly display one's wealth and social status rather than for their practical utility. It carries a critical or analytical connotation, often used in discussions about sociology, economics, and consumer culture.
Examples
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Buying a luxury yacht just to impress others is a classic example of conspicuous consumption.
Buying a luxury yacht just to impress others is a classic example of conspicuous consumption.
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The rapid economic growth led to a rise in conspicuous consumption among the new upper class.
The rapid economic growth led to a rise in conspicuous consumption among the new upper class.
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He criticized the billionaire's conspicuous consumption during a time of economic recession.
He criticized the billionaire's conspicuous consumption during a time of economic recession.
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Designer logos on clothing are often designed to facilitate conspicuous consumption.
Designer logos on clothing are often designed to facilitate conspicuous consumption.
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Social media platforms have amplified conspicuous consumption by allowing users to broadcast their luxury lifestyles.
Social media platforms have amplified conspicuous consumption by allowing users to broadcast their luxury lifestyles.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She made a conspicuous consume to show off.
✓ She engaged in conspicuous consumption to show off.
'Consumption' is the noun form required here; 'consume' is a verb.
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✗ His conspicuous consumption of alcohol was worrying.
✓ His excessive consumption of alcohol was worrying.
'Conspicuous consumption' specifically refers to buying luxury goods to display wealth, not just consuming a large quantity of food or drink.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The sociologist wrote a paper on how social media fuels ___ among teenagers.
💡 Buying expensive things to show off wealth or status.
Show answer
conspicuous consumption
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Driving an expensive sports car in a low-income neighborhood might be seen as ___.
💡 Displaying wealth publicly.
Show answer
conspicuous consumption