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 in-line reading on the August core personal consumption expenditures price index did not change the conversation. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025

Insofar as food and drink consumption was concerned, two-thirds (63%) ate (mostly snacks) before bed. —New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025

The gains in aggregate consumption also obscure the sharp divide among American consumers, and the growing reliance on top earners. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025

Robert Dudley, a professor at the university’s Department of Integrative Biology and study co-author, additionally pointed out that the current estimate for alcohol consumption among chimps may be on the conservative side. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

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