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

The electricity share of final energy consumption in the U.S. has not increased as anticipated, and this is part of the electricity crisis. —Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Three years ago, cable networks accounted for 35.4% of all U.S. video consumption, versus 26% for broadcast. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025

What to watch next China’s efforts to boost consumption also include calls for increasing the minimum wage, stabilizing the stock market, boosting farmers’ income and resolving payment delays for businesses. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025

Published on March 19, 2025 By Sean Evans Mercedes-Benz AG Photo : Mercedes-Benz AG Mercedes-Benz is banking that the combination of overall range, energy consumption rate, rapid charging time, and custom software will entice the EV-averse buyer. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 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