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

While questioning the correct pronunciation of “niche,” Gaffigan noted that his other hobby, gardening, isn’t funny enough to support a special, and that his spirits-centric jokes weren’t for mass consumption.

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"They indicate that even short-term, high fructose consumption in healthy people can influence the immune system and increase inflammation."

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Among the reports due for release are private jobs creation, services activity and personal consumption expenditure -- the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation.

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With signs of weakness starting to emerge in the Chinese economy in recent months, stronger policy support may be needed to address challenges such as soft domestic consumption.

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The Bureau of Economic Analysis will finally release the personal consumption expenditures price index for September on Friday after the data was delayed by the government shutdown.

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Related Words

• drinking 
• expenditure 
• utilization