Words / B1

k-uh-n-SYOOM-uh/kənˈsjuːmə/

A consumer is a person who buys goods or services: consumer rights; consumer goods; consumer confidence. A customer is someone in a particular shop; a buyer is more about one purchase. Consume is the verb (eat, use, or buy). Consumption is the noun for the amount used. Consumer society appears in exam essays about shopping and waste.

Meaning

A person who buys goods or services.

Examples

• “Consumers want clear information on prices.”
• “The new law protects consumers from hidden fees.”
• “Consumer demand for electric cars is rising.”

Good to know

consumer rights / goods / confidence. Shop: customer. Verb: consume. Amount used: consumption.

Near in meaning

customer

New