B1noun1K

Consumer

UK /["/kənˈsjuːmə(r)/"]/US /["/kənˈsuːmər/"]/

Definition

a person who buys goods or uses services

In simple words: A person who buys and uses products or services.

Examples

The consumer has the right to return defective products.
Many companies target their marketing towards young consumers.
As a consumer, it's important to understand your rights.
The consumer market is constantly changing with new trends.
Electronic devices have become an essential part of the modern consumer's life.

Usage notes

Use 'consumer' in discussions about buying behavior and market research. It's suitable for business contexts but avoid casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

consumer + of + product/service

Memory hint

Think of a 'con' artist who 'sumers' (consumer) all the products!

Collocations

big
great
heavy
offer
provide
supply
buy something
pay something
spend something
applications
brands
devices
among consumers

Synonyms

buyer
purchaser
client
shopper
end-user

Antonyms

producer
supplier

Common mistakes

Confused with 'customer', which refers specifically to someone who buys from a store.
Used in plural without the context, forgetting the need to specify what is being consumed.
Confused with 'producer', which refers to someone who makes goods.