B2noun2K

Consumption

UK /["/kənˈsʌmpʃn/"]/US /["/kənˈsʌmpʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of using energy, food or materials; the amount used

In simple words: The act of using or eating something.

Examples

  • The consumption of sugar has increased significantly in recent years.
  • Energy consumption in the city dropped due to new efficiency measures.
  • The patient's consumption of dairy products was restricted due to allergies.
  • The government's report focused on the consumption of household goods.
  • Historically, consumption referred to tuberculosis, a deadly disease in the past.
  • His death was attributed to consumption, which was common before modern medicine.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, including food, resources, and media. Often discussed in economic or environmental contexts. Avoid in highly casual settings unless discussing food.

Grammar pattern

consume + object

Memory hint

Think of 'consume' + 'tion' like 'action' — the action of using up something.

Collocations

  • heavy
  • high
  • low
  • level
  • boost
  • encourage
  • increase
  • go up
  • grow
  • increase
  • expenditure
  • figures
  • levels
  • for somebody’s consumption
  • fit for human consumption
  • unfit for human consumption
  • heavy
  • high
  • low
  • level
  • boost
  • encourage
  • increase
  • go up
  • grow
  • increase
  • expenditure
  • figures
  • levels
  • for somebody’s consumption
  • fit for human consumption
  • unfit for human consumption

Synonyms

  • usage
  • utilization
  • expenditure
  • ingestion
  • absorption

Antonyms

  • production
  • creation

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'consumer' as a noun.
  • Used incorrectly in plural forms (i.e., 'consumptions' is not standard).
  • Mispronounced with emphasis on wrong syllable.