Commercialism: meaning, definitions and examples

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commercialism

[kəˈmɜːrʃəˌlɪzəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in business

The belief in the importance of making money and selling goods and services, often at the expense of other values such as art or culture.

Synonyms

capitalism, consumerism, materialism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
commercialism	This term is often used to describe the emphasis on maximizing profit and prioritizing commercial success over other values. It can have a negative connotation, implying exploitation or excessive focus on money. The holiday season has been taken over by commercialism, with more focus on shopping than family time. The commercialism in the movie industry makes it hard for independent films to gain popularity.
consumerism	Focuses on the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers. It also refers to a societal trend where people prioritize the acquisition of goods and services. Often used in a critical context to highlight excessive consumption. Modern society's consumerism has led to a culture of overconsumption and waste. The rise of consumerism has changed the way people perceive happiness and success.
materialism	Concentrates on the importance of physical possessions and wealth. Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that people value material goods over more meaningful aspects of life. Her materialism was evident from her constant need to buy the latest gadgets. Philosophers often debate the impact of materialism on human well-being and ethics.
capitalism	A broad economic and political system where trade, industry, and the means of production are largely privately owned and operated for profit. Discussions about economic systems, policies, and ideologies often include this term. Under capitalism, individuals have the freedom to start their own businesses. Critics argue that capitalism can lead to economic inequality.

Examples of usage

The artist rejected commercialism and focused on creating art for the sake of self-expression.
Commercialism has led to the proliferation of advertisements in every aspect of our lives.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

negative connotation

The excessive emphasis on profit-making and the exploitation of resources for financial gain.

Synonyms

exploitation, mercantilism, profiteering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
commercialism	Use this word when referring to the emphasis on maximizing profit through commercial activities, often at the expense of other values such as culture or ethics. The commercialism of the holiday season makes it feel less special Critics argue that the commercialism of sports ruins the spirit of the game
mercantilism	This term is historical and is suitable when discussing economic policies of European nations during the 16th to 18th centuries focused on maximizing exports and minimizing imports to build national wealth. During the era of mercantilism, European powers competed fiercely for colonies Mercantilism often led to strict government control of the economy
exploitation	This word is appropriate in negative contexts where one party benefits unfairly from another's labor or resources, often involving some form of abuse or unfairness. The exploitation of workers in sweatshops is a serious ethical issue Environmentalists criticize the exploitation of natural resources for short-term gain
profiteering	This word should be used in negative contexts where individuals or companies make excessive profits, especially in unethical or exploitative ways during times of crisis or scarcity. Profiteering during a natural disaster by inflating prices of essential goods is highly unethical The scandal revealed the extent of profiteering in the healthcare industry

Examples of usage

The commercialism of the pharmaceutical industry often comes at the cost of affordable healthcare for the general population.
Historically, colonialism has been closely linked to commercialism and the pursuit of economic interests.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originated in the late 19th century to describe the increasing focus on trade and the economy.
The Industrial Revolution played a significant role in the rise of commercialism by expanding production capabilities and consumer culture.
Commercialism has roots in mercantilism, an economic theory that emphasized the importance of trade and commerce in wealth accumulation during the 16th to 18th centuries.

Cultural Impact

In the 20th century, the boom in advertising changed how products were marketed, emphasizing brand loyalty and consumer behavior.
Holidays like Christmas have been heavily commercialized, shifting focus from traditional values to shopping and gifting.
Film and television play a significant role in shaping consumer habits through product placements and brand sponsorships.

Psychology

Research suggests that commercialism can create a sense of dissatisfaction, as people often measure happiness through material possessions.
The constant barrage of advertising can lead to impulse buying, triggering a reflexive need to purchase even when not needed.
Commercialism affects social identity, as individuals often define themselves through the brands they consume.

Economics

In a commercial society, competition drives innovation, leading to better products and services, but also to ethical dilemmas regarding consumer rights.
Commercialism often leads to monopolies, where a single company can dominate the market, reducing choices for consumers.
During economic downturns, commercialism can shift to focusing on essential goods, as consumers prioritize basic needs over luxury items.

Literature

Many writers of the 19th and 20th centuries critiqued commercialism, arguing that it undermined human values and artistic integrity.
In the world of dystopian fiction, such as in 'Brave New World,' commercialism is depicted as a mechanism of social control.
Contemporary literature often explores themes of consumerism, emphasizing the tension between personal fulfillment and societal pressures to acquire.

Translations

Translations of the word "commercialism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comercialismo

🇮🇳 व्यावसायिकता

🇩🇪 Kommerzialisierung

🇮🇩 komersialisme

🇺🇦 комерціалізм

🇵🇱 komercjalizm

🇯🇵 商業主義 (しょうぎょうしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 commercialisme

🇪🇸 comercialismo

🇹🇷 ticarilik

🇰🇷 상업주의 (商業主義)

🇸🇦 التجارية

🇨🇿 komercialismus

🇸🇰 komercializmus

🇨🇳 商业主义 (shāngyè zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 komercializem

🇮🇸 viðskiptahyggja

🇰🇿 коммерцияландыру

🇬🇪 კომერციალიზმი

🇦🇿 kommersializm

🇲🇽 comercialismo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,074, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26071 intrepidity
26072 stringy
26073 panelling
26074 commercialism
26075 thrash
26076 scoops
26077 inaccessibility
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