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

That’s largely expected to continue this year, helping support consumption, which makes up about 70% of economic activity. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025

Bhargava points out a critical flaw in our consumption habits—our predisposition to engage only with ideas that reaffirm our beliefs, facilitated by algorithms that feed us a homogenous diet of information. —Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Along with new warning labels, the surgeon general’s report recommends reassessing the guideline limits for alcohol consumption to account for cancer risk. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2025

His Advisory points to studies that have found a clear link between alcohol consumption and a higher risk of developing seven types of cancers including breast cancer. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 4 Jan. 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

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