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

China's cabinet on Thursday rolled out a work plan to boost services consumption — from cruise and yacht tourism to more sports events — as policymakers sought to boost the share of consumption in its economy over the next five years. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Efficient, low power consumption edge computing to learn and implement intelligent decision making has evolved substantially. —Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Extensive research studies have linked higher coffee consumption with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2026

The popularity of the movie and its music helped boost music consumption on a global scale. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 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