reckless consumption

[ˈrekləs kənˈsʌmpʃən]
noun phrase
consumo desenfreado
1. excessive and uncontrolled spending or use of goods and resources without regard for consequences, sustainability, or financial responsibility
The reckless consumption of single-use plastics has contributed significantly to environmental degradation.
O consumo desenfreado de plásticos de uso único contribuiu significativamente para a degradação ambiental.
2. impulsive buying or consumption behavior driven by desires rather than needs, often resulting in waste or financial problems
Her reckless consumption of luxury goods led to serious debt.
Seu consumo desenfreado de bens de luxo a levou a sérias dívidas.
The term 'reckless consumption' has become increasingly relevant in both Brazilian and American contexts as discussions around sustainability, wealth inequality, and consumer culture intensify. In Brazil, concerns about reckless consumption relate to both environmental degradation and the aspiration-driven consumer culture. In the USA, the phrase is often used in critiques of consumer capitalism and fast fashion industries.
NYC Slang
going ham on shopping/spending, bougie spending
Synonyms / Sinônimos
excessive consumptionwasteful spendingindiscriminate purchasinguncontrolled consumptionextravagant consumption
Antonyms / Antônimos
mindful consumptionconscious spendingfrugal consumptionsustainable consumptionresponsible purchasing

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
consumo desenfreado
most common and neutral term
Brazil (colloquial)
consumismo descontrolado
emphasizes the addictive nature of consumption
Brazil (formal)
consumo irresponsável
used in academic and policy contexts
Portugal
consumo desenfreado
same as Brazilian Portuguese, widely understood

Related Words

consumerismmaterialismoverconsumptionwastefulimpulsive buyingfast fashionplanned obsolescence

Related Idioms & Phrases

living beyond one's means
keeping up with the Joneses
money burns a hole in one's pocket
spend money like water
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