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

When tested on 12 breastfeeding mothers over periods of up to 17 weeks, the technology was found to be highly accurate at gauging their infants' milk consumption. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 May 2025

Two of them are based entirely on U.S. consumption, while the others measure global performance. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Deep watering allows water to penetrate deeply into the soil, minimizing water consumption and encouraging healthier roots. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

Wastewater analysis in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, reveals high levels of cannabis metabolites, suggesting significant urban consumption, especially in low-income neighborhoods. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 16 May 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