Consumption Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：using up (consumption)

consumption 🔊

/kənˈsʌmpʃən/

the act or process of using something up, like food, energy, or resources.

Illustration of consumption: parent concerned about high electricity bill, symbolizing resource depletion

using up 🔊

➕

/ˈjuːzɪŋ ʌp/

Consumption refers to the action or process of utilizing resources, goods, or energy until they are depleted.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'consumptio', from 'consumere' meaning 'to use up completely'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'consume' + 'tion' – consumption is the noun form of consuming things up.

📖 Example

Our school is trying to reduce its consumption of paper by encouraging students to submit assignments online. 🔊 Our school aims to lower paper use by having students submit assignments digitally.

🔗 Collocations

energy consumption – the amount of energy used

food consumption – the eating or using of food

consumer consumption – the purchase and use of goods by individuals

🔄 Synonyms

use (n.) – the act of employing something

expenditure (n.) – the act of spending or using resources

depletion (n.) – the reduction in the quantity of resources

🚫 Antonyms

production (n.) – the act of creating or manufacturing goods

conservation (n.) – the protection and careful use of resources

🌱 Derivatives

consume (v.) – to use up or eat

consumer (n.) – a person who buys or uses goods

consumptive (adj.) – relating to or tending to consume

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'consumptio', meaning 'a using up'. Historically referred to tuberculosis as it consumed the body. Now common in economic contexts like 'consumer consumption'.