English Explanatory Dictionary

conspicuous consumption

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A public display of acquisition of possessions with the intention of gaining social prestige; excessive consumerism in order to flaunt one's purchasing power.

Word forms

conspicuous consumption

Etymology

Coined by American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in 1899.

Related words

acquisitiveness keep up with the Joneses Veblen effect
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