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

Younger people are forever wondering — in whispers, and never for general consumption — whether some person older than they might have, you know, lost a step.

From Los Angeles Times

"Social gatherings, alcohol consumption, and littering within cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited."

From BBC

The amount of the credit depends on the utility company, regardless of your energy consumption or bill amount.

From Los Angeles Times

American have dialled down their beer consumption over the past four decades, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

From BBC

It found that water for cooling, as well as water consumption linked to electricity generation, is expected to dramatically increase in the coming years as more facilities come online.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drinking 
• expenditure 
• utilization