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

Exports have been a bright spot for China’s economy, which is otherwise struggling with slumping consumption and a years-long property market slump. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

This means any slowdown in the labor market could create a more serious consumption problem, with the same households facing slower income growth and decreased access to credit. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

The batteries smooth the load and help optimize fuel consumption. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

At the same time, EVs are a major source of electricity consumption, and most existing electricity grids were simply not designed for this level of demand. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

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