consumption

noun

con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
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
b
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis

Example Sentences

The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.
Recent Examples on the Web While more research is needed to examine the health implications of various forms of marijuana consumption on the heart, brain, and other vital organs, Dr. Ni noted that smoking marijuana can be more harmful to lung health compared to other means. Alyssa Hui, Health, 10 Mar. 2023 That’s the number of milligrams at which toxic effects of caffeine, like seizures, can occur (at least in the case of rapid consumption), the FDA warns. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 10 Mar. 2023 Note that this means that any claims that these spherical laundry tools make laundry day more sustainable through a reduction of energy consumption are likely not significant either. Good Housekeeping, 6 Mar. 2023 This convenient and discreet form of cbd consumption will help people reclaim their cbd balance without a huge time commitment or cost. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2023 Coal continues to fall as a part of the US energy mix Electricity produced by burning coal slid to 19% of the US energy consumption in 2022. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023 Since then, research has overturned the belief that all fat is bad for health while demonstrating the harmful effects of high sugar consumption. Irina Ivanova, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2023 The statistic measures final sales to domestic companies while subtracting the effects of government consumption, and is used to gauge underlying economic strength. Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2023 Buildings are responsible for 47% of global energy consumption and over a quarter (27%) of annual global carbon emissions according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Stephen Diorio, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consumption.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumption was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near consumption

Cite this Entry

“Consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumption. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

consumption

noun
con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
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

Medical Definition

consumption

noun
con·​sump·​tion kən-ˈsəm(p)-shən How to pronounce consumption (audio)
1
: a progressive wasting away of the body especially from pulmonary tuberculosis
2

More from Merriam-Webster on consumption

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