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

Both pieces were on loan, a detail that not only speaks to her appreciation for circular fashion but also signals her generation's appreciation for sustainability and ethical consumption. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

Alternative beverages The overall decline in alcohol consumption is driving bars and restaurants to come up with alternatives that bring in a little more cash than a Pellegrino and can offer diners fun ways to imbibe without an alcohol buzz. —Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026

Timing of coffee consumption, however, had yet to be studied. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 5 Jan. 2026

As industries push toward smarter machines, autonomous systems, and ubiquitous AI, the need for processors that deliver high performance without excessive power consumption becomes critical. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 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