What does materialistic mean?
Materialistic describes an outlook in which material possessions, wealth, comfort, and social status are treated as the most important sources of value and success. The word is usually critical because it suggests that other considerations—ethical commitments, spiritual development, relationships, or personal purpose—have been subordinated to acquiring and displaying material goods. It can refer to an individual's attitude, as in “a materialistic lifestyle,” or to a wider social culture, as in “a materialistic society.” The term should not be used merely to describe someone who appreciates attractive objects, comfortable surroundings, or financial security. Its force lies in the suggestion of excess or misplaced priorities. Materialistic behavior can also be associated with consumerism, status competition, and the belief that personal worth depends primarily on wealth. Because of this negative connotation, the word is most appropriate when the author intends to criticize or analyze that value system.
adjectiveCharacterized by an excessive attachment to material possessions, wealth, or external status, often at the expense of other values.
- Having excessive attachment to material possessions, wealth, comfort, or status, often neglecting spiritual, ethical, or emotional values.
"She rejected the materialistic culture of her upbringing and chose a simpler life."
"The advertisement presented a conspicuously materialistic vision of happiness."
"His materialistic priorities led him to overlook the needs of his family."
“Materialistic” can describe either a life filled with possessions or a habit of measuring human worth by them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does materialistic come from?
The word derives from Latin materialis, meaning “of or consisting of matter,” which in turn comes from materia, “material” or “matter.” The suffix -istic forms an adjective or noun denoting adherence to a particular doctrine, producing materialist and materialistic in English during the 19th century. Related forms include materialism, materiality, materialize, and material.
Related word forms
How materialistic is actually used
The term is usually critical and evaluative. It is broader than simply valuing possessions: it implies that material wealth or status has become the dominant measure of value.
Easily confused with materialistic
A materialist is a person who adheres to materialistic beliefs, whereas materialistic is the adjective describing an attitude, outlook, or culture.