# materialism

/məˈtɪɹiəˌɫɪzəm/ (US) · /mətˈiəɹɪəlˌɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/materialism
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. focus on possessions

noun · CEFR B2

the belief that money, clothes, and cars are more important than spiritual or mental values.

For teachers: a preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects and physical comfort over spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.

- Many people criticize modern materialism and the constant pressure to buy new things.
- The rise of consumer materialism in the post-war era led to a significant shift in how families defined success and social status.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the general social trend; occasionally countable when referring to specific instances.

Teaching tip: This is the most common sense in everyday conversation and media.

### 2. philosophical theory

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the theory that only physical matter exists and there is no soul or spirit.

For teachers: the philosophical theory that nothing exists except matter and its movements and modifications.

- In his philosophy class, they debated whether materialism can explain human consciousness.
- Scientific materialism posits that all phenomena, including mental states and consciousness, are the results of material interactions.

Usage: Usually uncountable in this formal context.

Teaching tip: In academic settings, this is often contrasted with 'idealism'.

## Examples

- His materialism makes him care more about cars than friends.
- Critics of modern materialism argue that the constant pursuit of the latest gadgets leads to a decrease in overall life satisfaction.
- The shift from a subsistence economy to a consumer-driven society has often been accompanied by a rise in materialism, where social status is measured primarily by one's accumulated wealth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.