consumer
pronunciation
How to pronounce consumer in British English:
UK [kənˈsjuːmə(r)]
How to pronounce consumer in American English:
US [kənˈsuːmər]
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- Noun:
- a person who uses goods or services
Word Origin
- consumer (n.)
- early 15c., "one who squanders or wastes," agent noun from consume. In economic sense, "one who uses up goods or articles" (opposite of producer) from 1745. Consumer goods is attested from 1890. In U.S., consumer price index calculated since 1919, tracking "changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services" [Bureau of Labor Statistics]; abbreviation CPI is attested by 1971.
Antonym
Example
- 1. American consumer confidence has started to wobble .
- 2. The fees can also reduce a phone 's consumer appeal .
- 3. Consumer and business confidence is fragile .
- 4. Soaring oil prices crimped consumer spending .
- 5. But consumer groups have cried foul .