consumption

[kuhn-suhmp-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of consuming, as by use, decay, or destruction.

   Synonyms: utilization, exploitation, depletion

2. the amount consumed.

   the high consumption of gasoline.

3. Economics.,  the using up of goods and services having an exchangeable value.

4. Pathology.

   1. Older Use.,  tuberculosis of the lungs.

   2. progressive wasting of the body.

consumption

/ kənˈsʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of consuming or the state of being consumed, esp by eating, burning, etc

2. economics expenditure on goods and services for final personal use

3. the quantity consumed

4. pathol a condition characterized by a wasting away of the tissues of the body, esp as seen in tuberculosis of the lungs

Other Word Forms

• nonconsumption noun
• overconsumption noun
• preconsumption noun
• self-consumption noun
• underconsumption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English consumpcyon, from Middle French, from Latin consūmptiōn-, stem of consūmptiō “employment, use, waste,” from consūmpt(us) “used up” (past participle of consūmere “to use up, waste”; consume ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumption¹

C14: from Latin consumptiō a wasting, from consūmere to _consume

Example Sentences

The sales volume of milk alternatives has started to decline, mainly driven by lower consumption in the Americas.

From BBC

He has consistently used his large social media following and public appearances to advocate for climate action, encourage more ethical consumption and drive community change.

From BBC

The report also expects consumer consumption to weaken following a surge in electric-vehicle purchases in the third quarter due to the expiration of federal tax credits last month.

From Los Angeles Times

However, on the paid service, YouTube TV, the Spanish-language programming “only represents a tiny fraction of overall consumption,” the YouTube spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Support should use income, health and energy consumption data and be tiered to give greater support to those most in need.

From BBC

Related Words

• drinking 
• expenditure 
• utilization