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

Demand for oil plunged during the war because supply fell sharply and many folks reduced their oil consumption. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

According to the company, this helps lower latency, improve memory access and reduce energy consumption while easing dependence on the most advanced chipmaking technologies currently affected by US restrictions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Water Usage While drip irrigation generally uses less water than sprinklers, Stockman says your watering habits can have just as much impact on overall consumption. — Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 13 July 2026

The setup combines traditional diesel generators with electric propulsion to ensure reliable and efficient cruising while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 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