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”; consume ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Over the last 67 years, the Grammys have tweaked the rules and names of art-driven categories to reflect shifts in music consumption.

From Los Angeles Times

“In the history of entertainment, there’s never been more options for your time or consumption,” Riegg said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Real incomes are set to rise further and the saving rate should gradually come down from its still high level, supporting consumption,” the European Central Bank’s President Christine Lagarde said in December.

From The Wall Street Journal

The low temperatures experienced in early 2025 saw consumption of these fuels increase by nearly 7% compared with the previous year.

From BBC

Clinical studies have shown only minimal increases in plasma glucose or insulin after consumption.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• drinking
• expenditure
• utilization