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

Streaming will have to make up the bulk of The Death of Slim Shady’s consumption, as the album has not yet been released in physical form. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 17 July 2024

Nearly one-quarter of Americans’ average home energy consumption is from devices including appliances and electronics, according to government data. —Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Helena Oliviero | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS) About 40% of new cancer cases among U.S. adults — and nearly half of all cancer deaths — are linked to lifestyle risk factors including smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption, according to a new study by American Cancer Society. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024

The causes of cancer the study said were preventable included cigarette smoking as the top risk factor, followed by excess body weight and alcohol consumption. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024

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

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