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 holidays may be a tough time to cut back on alcohol consumption, but people should try to avoid binge drinking and to keep within guidelines of drinking in moderation (two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less a day for women on days when alcohol is consumed). —Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024

Garlic consumption may help the body make and release nitric oxide, aiding in processes that protect against viral illness.4 10. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Ancient activity mostly took place near the cave’s entrance, the study says: There, researchers have found evidence of flint knapping, animal butchering and food consumption. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

But tariffs are essentially consumption taxes that are most often paid by consumers. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024

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