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

In terms of consumption behavior, this means that our evaluations of prices or value often hinge on others in close proximity. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

The rise in Asian American consumption across various forms of media is a signal to advertisers and marketers that this is a key demographic to cater to, according to the Nielsen report. —Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025

In 2023, a group of House Republicans attempted to pass a measure that would have eliminated most federal taxes with a national sales tax, a form of consumption tax. —Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

Fossil fuel consumption has dramatically increased since 1950, as the world’s economies have grown. —Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 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