SKIP TO CONTENT

greenwashing

/ˈgrinˌwɑʃɪŋ/
IPA guide

Greenwashing is what a company does when it makes a good or service seem more environmentally friendly than it really is.

Greenwashing can take a lot of different forms. A company may use words like "green" or "natural" to imply that their products and practices are sustainable, even if they're really not. An oil company may advertise its plans to protect endangered species and lower emissions, all while actually working to produce and sell more and more fossil fuels. In general, if a business spends more money on advertisements or other messaging that makes them seem environmentally friendly than on actually reducing their harmful environmental impact, they are practicing greenwashing.

Definitions of greenwashing
  1. noun
    the act of making something, such as a product, activity, or company, seem more environmentally friendly than it is
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘greenwashing'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family