Meaning of conspicuous consumption | Babel Free

Definitions

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

uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.”

“"Conspicuous consumption" is a proof of economic success.”

“Professional humanists . . . resent Veblen's saying that knowing an ancient language is conspicuous consumption and conspicuous waste, like growing your fingernails long and painting them, or keeping a Pekingese.”

“As a society becomes richer, those whose incomes do not grow spend more on conspicuous consumption in an attempt to keep up.”

CEFR level