WordGarden.ioconsumption
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənsˈʌmpʃən/
US
- /kənˈsəmpʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the use of energy, fuel, water, or other resources
the eating or drinking of something
the purchase and use of goods and services in an economy
More meaningsFewer meanings
the watching, reading, or listening to media or online content
a historical name for tuberculosis
Beyond the definition
Consumption isn't just about shopping! While we often think of it as buying things, at its heart, consumption is the act of using something up—whether it's resources, energy, or even time. A roaring fire consumes wood, a disease can consume a body, and a passionate hobby can consume all your free hours.
Historically, "consumption" was a common term for tuberculosis because the disease seemed to consume the person from within. Today, we most often talk about consumption in terms of economic activity—the rate at which people buy and use goods and services. A healthy economy relies on steady consumption, but excessive consumption can also strain our planet's resources. Think of it as a powerful force that can build or deplete, depending on how it is managed.
Consumption has several interconnected meanings, all revolving around the idea of using something up over time. At its most basic, it refers to the process of using up something—like fuel being consumed by an engine or a candle burning down. The sentence, "The forest fire rapidly consumed acres of woodland," illustrates this literal, physical sense.
Historically, and still in some medical contexts, consumption referred specifically to tuberculosis, a disease that gradually weakens and destroys the body. This older meaning highlights the destructive potential inherent in the idea of something being "consumed." In a more literal biological sense, it also refers to the act of ingesting food or drink, such as "the consumption of alcohol" or "daily caloric consumption."
Today, we most frequently encounter the word in economic terms. In this context, consumption refers to the spending on goods and services by households; it is a primary driver of economic growth. A rise in consumption suggests a healthy economy, while a decline can signal a recession. You might read headlines about "increased retail consumption" during the holiday season. Beyond economics, the term describes the rate at which natural resources are used. Energy consumption is a major concern for environmentalists, as sustainable practices aim to reduce our overall consumption of non-renewable resources.
Finally, "consumption" can refer to an obsessive preoccupation or an overwhelming emotion—like a consuming passion or a destructive habit. To say, "Her grief was all-consuming," means it dominated her entire existence. So, whether you are talking about fuel, disease, spending habits, resource use, or powerful emotions, consumption is the process of using something up, often with significant consequences. It is a word that reminds us that everything has limits and that how we choose to use our resources matters.
Examples
- 1
Household energy
Household energy consumption usually rises in winter.
- 2
Health concerns
Doctors are worried about the high consumption of sugary drinks among teenagers.
- 3
Water use
The new machines cut water consumption by nearly 30 percent.
- 4
Media habits
Smartphones have changed our media consumption habits.
- Phrasemedia consumption
the media people watch, read, or listen to
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Food safety
The label says the oil is not intended for human consumption.
- Phrasefor human consumption
safe or suitable for people to eat or drink
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- energy consumption
- fuel consumption
- household consumption
- conspicuous consumption
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- consumptionnoun
Forms
- consumptionspluralnoun