consumption

American  

[kuhn-suhmp-shuhn] / kənˈsʌmp ʃən /

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.

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consumption British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of consumption

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”; see consume) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Consumption means using, buying or eating something. If we don't reduce our energy consumption, we will run out of fuel. Conspicuous consumption is buying something to show off. Consumption is related to the verb consume, which means to eat, use, or buy. You will often read about consumption in terms of rate––how fast we are using up a particular resource. If you consume ten cookies in an hour, your rate of consumption is ten cookies an hour. Sustainable? Let's hope not.

Example Sentences

Weight-loss drug users have been making big changes to some consumption behaviors, according to this Deutsche Bank chart.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

In its central scenario, in which limited fiscal stimulus supports consumption and the 10-year JGB yield steadies around 2.5% by end-2026, Moody’s now expects annual GDP growth at 0.5%, down from 0.9%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Growth in private consumption and corporate investment contributed to the expansion, according to the cabinet office data.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

After examining the data, the researchers identified common biological effects linked to grape consumption.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

But by midday all the daily chores were done; the evening meal was prepared and only awaited consumption.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Related Words

• drinking
• expenditure
• utilization