consumption
kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn
Consumption (noun) means the act of eating, drinking, or using something up. Example: “Household energy consumption rises sharply in winter.”
noun
1
The act of eating, drinking, or using something up.
"Household energy consumption rises sharply in winter."
"The government tracks alcohol consumption trends nationwide."
"Excessive consumption of fizzy drinks can harm your teeth."
2
Historical: a wasting disease, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.
"In the 19th century, consumption killed many young adults."
"Characters in old novels often fade away from consumption."
"The poet suffered from consumption and spent every winter abroad."
How to use consumption
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe amount of something used, eaten, or drunk; historically, also a name for tuberculosis.
Common pairings
energy consumption
reduce consumption
fuel consumption
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Word forms
- Plural
- consumptions
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Household energy _____ rises sharply in winter.
Etymology
From Latin consumptio, from consumere ("to consume"). Equivalent to consume + -tion.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for consumption
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for consumption →
Frequently asked questions
What does “consumption” mean?
The word “consumption” means the act of eating, drinking, or using something up. In plain terms, the amount of something used, eaten, or drunk; historically, also a name for tuberculosis.
How do you pronounce “consumption”?
“Consumption” is pronounced kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn (/kənˈsʌmp.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “consumption” in a sentence?
Here is “consumption” used in a sentence: “Household energy consumption rises sharply in winter.”
What part of speech is “consumption”?
“Consumption” is a noun.
Where does the word “consumption” come from?
The word “consumption” comes from Latin. From Latin consumptio, from consumere ("to consume"). Equivalent to consume + -tion.
Is “consumption” a common word?
“Consumption” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “consumption” have?
“Consumption” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of eating, drinking, or using something up.
What is the difference between consumption and use?
Consumption usually implies using something up so that it is reduced or gone, as with food, fuel, or electricity. Use is broader and does not necessarily deplete the thing, since you can use a tool without consuming it.
What is the difference between consumption and expenditure in economics?
Consumption is spending on goods and services that are used to satisfy needs and wants. Expenditure is the wider category of all spending, which also includes investment and saving that is not immediate consumption.
Why is tuberculosis historically called 'consumption'?
Historically, consumption was the common name for pulmonary tuberculosis, a wasting disease. The term reflected how the illness seemed to consume the body, causing sufferers to lose weight and waste away over time.
What is the difference between consumption and production?
Production is the making or supplying of goods and services, while consumption is the using up of those goods and services. The two are opposite ends of the same economic cycle.
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