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

Traders will be keeping a close tab on inflation as well, with the personal consumption expenditure price index reading for July out on Wednesday. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

The method helps drinkers moderate consumption while still enjoying social occasions that typically revolve around alcohol. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026

The earliest bout of cosmic cannibalism involved the collision with and consumption of the dwarf galaxy Gaia-Enceladus about 10 billion years ago. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Alcohol consumption has also fallen significantly among young Americans. — Brian Mann, NPR, 24 Aug. 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