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consumption

kuhn-SUMP-shun /kənˈsʌmpʃn/

nounB2GRETOEFLIELTSSAT

generalacademic

The using up of a resource, or the amount of a resource used by a person, group, or process.

Neutral baseline term for the process of using goods, energy, or materials.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'com-' (completely) and 'sumere' (to take), 'consumere' meant taking something in so thoroughly that nothing remained. For centuries in English, 'consumption' was also the common name for tuberculosis because the disease seemed to literally devour or 'consume' the human body from within.

Word relationships

use: Use is plain conversational language, whereas consumption is more formal and quantitative.
utilization: Utilization stresses practical application, while consumption highlights the using up or absorption of materials.

production: Production is the creation or growth of goods/resources.
preservation: Preservation means keeping resources untouched.

Commonly confused with

assumption: Assumption means taking something to be true without proof, while consumption means using up resources.

Word family

consume (verb): To use up, eat, or absorb.
consumer (noun): A person or entity that consumes goods or services.

Collocations

energy consumption
fuel consumption
domestic consumption
reduce consumption

Example sentences

"Global energy consumption continues to rise despite improvements in fuel efficiency." Energy policy

Memory hook

Con-SUM-ption = The SUM total of what you spend or use up. Consumption = Using up resources.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'overconsumption'; consumption itself can be balanced and sustainable.

Fun facts

Before bacteria were discovered, people called tuberculosis 'consumption' because patients gradually wasted away.

Related words

overconsumption, finite, deplete

Explore more words

depletion, conserve, conservation, expenditure, renewable, outcome