consumption

[ kuhn-suhmp-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of consuming, as by use, decay, or destruction.

   Synonyms: utilization, depletion, exploitation

2. the amount consumed:

   the high consumption of gasoline.

3. Economics. the using up of goods and services having an exchangeable value.
4. Pathology.
   1. Older Use. tuberculosis of the lungs.
   2. progressive wasting of the body.

consumption

/ kənˈsʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of consuming or the state of being consumed, esp by eating, burning, etc
2. economics expenditure on goods and services for final personal use
3. the quantity consumed
4. pathol a condition characterized by a wasting away of the tissues of the body, esp as seen in tuberculosis of the lungs

Other Words From

• noncon·sumption noun
• over·con·sumption noun
• precon·sumption noun
• self-con·sumption noun
• under·con·sumption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English consumpcyon, from Middle French, from Latin consūmptiōn-, stem of consūmptiō “employment, use, waste,” from consūmpt(us) “used up” (past participle of consūmere “to use up, waste”; consume ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of consumption¹

C14: from Latin consumptiō a wasting, from consūmere to consume

Example Sentences

The benefits would be even larger if we reduced sugar consumption even further.

From Salon

From a personal finance perspective, consider being mindful of what's happening with tariffs and be prepared to change consumption if prices start to rise, without getting too ahead of yourself in terms of anticipatory overspending.

From Salon

In fact, the study demonstrates that modest levels of spin polarization can substantially improve the efficiency of the tritium burn, improving overall efficiency and reducing tritium consumption.

From Science Daily

The current research didn't directly study health outcomes, so it's too early to say whether insufficient nutrition or excessive energy consumption is adversely impacting pregnant individuals or their babies.

From Science Daily

Understanding the brain's role in habit formation could help policymakers design more effective health campaigns, from encouraging regular exercise to reducing sugar consumption.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• drinking
• expenditure
• utilization