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

The core reading of the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred measurement of inflation in the economy, came in at an annual rate of 3% in December, in line with economists' forecasts but still far above the Fed's 2% annual goal. —Alex Harring,sean Conlon,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

Mercury exposure in humans, which can affect the brain, cardiovascular and nervous systems, often occurs through consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish. —Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

Once the snow melted and temperatures warmed, the mudbugs were fully grown and shedding their shells, resulting in soft crawfish that are no good for consumption. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2026

As was the case in Paris two years ago, consumption of the Milan Games is split about 60/40 between NBC’s primetime broadcasts and the live afternoon screenings. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 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