You're probably here because you're staring at a blinking cursor. Or maybe you're trying to win an argument about whether your cousin’s obsession with limited-edition sneakers is "materialistic" or just a hobby. Using materialistic in a sentence seems easy enough until you realize how easily it can come off as sounding stiff, judgmental, or just plain wrong.
Words have weight.
When you call someone materialistic, you aren't just describing their shopping habits. You’re making a claim about their soul, or at least their priorities. It’s a word that bridges the gap between simple vocabulary and deep social commentary. Let's break down how to actually use it so you sound like a human, not a bot.
What Does Materialistic Actually Mean?
Before we get into the "how," we need the "what." In the simplest terms, being materialistic means you care way more about physical stuff—money, cars, clothes, gadgets—than you do about spiritual, intellectual, or emotional things.
It’s about the "stuff."
But there’s a nuance here. Most people use it as a jab. "He’s so materialistic," usually means "He’s shallow." However, in a philosophical context, materialism is just the belief that nothing exists except matter and its movements. You probably won't use that version at a dinner party, but it's good to know so you don't get tripped up.
Real-World Examples of Materialistic in a Sentence
If you’re looking for a quick fix, here are a few ways to slot the word into a natural conversation or a piece of writing:
- "I worry that our culture has become so materialistic that we've forgotten how to just enjoy each other's company without spending money."
- "She isn't necessarily materialistic; she just appreciates high-quality craftsmanship in the tools she uses for her business."
- "The movie’s main character starts out incredibly materialistic, but a trip to the mountains changes his entire perspective on what matters."
- "It feels a bit materialistic to buy a third car when the other two are perfectly fine, don't you think?"
See? It fits into various rhythms. Sometimes it’s the punchline. Sometimes it’s just a descriptor.
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The Trouble With Judgment
Using materialistic in a sentence is often a trap. Why? Because it’s subjective. One person's "materialistic obsession" is another person's "investing in quality." If you’re writing a character in a book or an op-ed, you have to decide if the narrator is being fair.
For example, "The materialistic society of the 1980s is often parodied in films like American Psycho." That’s a factual, historical observation. But if you say, "My neighbor is materialistic because he mows his lawn every day," you’re stretching the word thin. Mowing a lawn is maintenance, not necessarily a devotion to worldly goods.
Context is king.
Why We Care About This Word Anyway
Psychologists have spent decades studying this. Tim Kasser, a well-known researcher and author of The High Price of Materialism, has found that people who are highly materialistic tend to be less happy. They have lower well-being. They’re more anxious.
So, when you use materialistic in a sentence, you're often tapping into a massive body of psychological research. You’re talking about a personality trait that researchers link to "extrinsic goals." These are goals that depend on the approval of others.
"His materialistic drive was fueled by a deep-seated need to prove his worth to his parents." This sentence carries more weight because it hints at the why behind the behavior.
Breaking Down the Grammar
It’s an adjective.
You use it to describe a person, a society, a mindset, or even an era.
- The materialistic girl. (Adjective modifying a noun)
- The culture is materialistic. (Predicative adjective)
If you want to talk about the concept itself, you use "materialism." If you want to talk about the person, you use "materialist."
"His materialism was his downfall."
"She is a staunch materialist who refuses to believe in anything she can’t touch."
Note how the vibe changes. The first one sounds like a moral failing. The second sounds like a philosophical stance. Choosing the right form of the word is basically half the battle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't confuse it with "greedy."
Greed is about wanting more. Materialism is about valuing the physical. You can be greedy for power, which isn't a physical object. You can't really be "materialistic for power" unless that power is represented by a giant gold throne.
Also, watch out for the "rich = materialistic" bias.
You can be broke and highly materialistic. If you spend your last ten dollars on a designer keychain instead of lunch, that’s materialistic. Conversely, you can be a billionaire and be the least materialistic person on earth if you don't actually care about the stuff and just happen to have it.
Try this: "Despite her wealth, she wasn't materialistic at all, often wearing the same old sweater for years."
Using it in Different Settings
In Academic Writing
In a sociology paper, you might say: "The shift toward a more materialistic value system in post-war America led to a significant increase in consumer debt." It’s dry. It’s professional. It works.
In Casual Texting
"Kinda feeling materialistic today... I really want those new headphones even though mine work fine." This is relatable. It uses the word to acknowledge a fleeting feeling rather than a permanent character flaw.
In Creative Writing
"The room was a materialistic shrine to his own ego, filled with gold-leaf frames and velvet chairs that no one was allowed to sit on." This paints a picture. It uses the word to set a mood.
How to Get Better at Word Choice
If you're still feeling stuck on how to use materialistic in a sentence, try looking at synonyms and antonyms.
- Synonyms: Consumerist, worldly, money-oriented, possessive.
- Antonyms: Spiritual, ascetic, altruistic, detached.
If you find yourself using "materialistic" three times in one paragraph, swap one out for "consumer-driven" or "status-seeking." It keeps the reader from getting bored.
Actionable Steps for Better Writing
To really master this word—and any other word like it—you need to practice putting it into different contexts.
- Look for it in the wild. Read an article in The New Yorker or The Atlantic. See how their writers handle it. They usually use it to describe a broad cultural trend.
- Check your bias. Before you describe a character or a person as materialistic, ask yourself if they actually value the stuff or if they value what the stuff represents (security, success, art).
- Vary your sentence length. When you use a heavy word like materialistic, follow it up with a short, punchy sentence. It helps the word land harder.
- Use the "Why" test. If you use the word, try to follow it up with a reason. "He was materialistic because he grew up with nothing." This makes your writing feel more "human" and less like a list of adjectives.
Next time you're writing, don't just throw the word in there to fill space. Think about the impact. Are you describing a philosophy or a shopping habit? Once you know that, the sentence will practically write itself.
Start by auditing your own vocabulary. Look back at the last thing you wrote. If you find yourself using generic terms for "wanting stuff," try to see if materialistic fits better. It’s a precise tool. Use it precisely.