consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of consuming

consumption of food

consumption of resources

b

: use by or exposure to a particular group or audience

The document was not intended for public consumption.

2

: use of something

the jet's high consumption of fuel

the consumption of electricity

3

a

: tuberculosis

b

: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis

Examples of consumption in a Sentence

The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.

Recent Examples on the Web

To recap: Hen is barely clinging to life, Chimney is actively dying of consumption, Ravi is potentially facing prison time and Moira is on the lam. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025

For manufacturing, this might include throughput, quality rates, energy consumption and equipment life. —Pieter Van Schalkwyk, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The proposal aims to phase out the most dangerous form of nicotine consumption by targeting future generations. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025

The new categories reflect the breadth of Caribbean music and the increasing consumption of particular styles and sounds. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English consumpcioun, from Latin consumption-, consumptio, from consumere — see consume

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing consumption

• conspicuous consumption

Rhymes for consumption

• assumption
• presumption
• resumption
• subsumption
• gumption
• sumption

Kids Definition

consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of consuming

b

: the amount consumed

2

a

: a gradual and continuous wasting away of the body especially from tuberculosis of the lungs

b

: tuberculosis

Medical Definition

consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən 

1

: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis

2

: tuberculosis