Words / B2

k-uh-n-SUMPSHUN/kənˈsʌmpʃn/

Consumption is the act of using fuel, food, or goods: energy consumption, consumption of sugar. Use is everyday; intake is close for food and drink. Consume is the verb. Consumer is the person who buys. In older English, consumption was also tuberculosis — you will meet that in literature, not in energy reports. In speech, how much we use is enough. Consumption is a measured total, not a synonym for shopping as a hobby.

Meaning

The act of using fuel, food, or goods.

Examples

• “Energy consumption has risen this year.”
• “Energy consumption rose in the cold snap, even with the new boilers.”
• “Cut the consumption of single-use plastic in the canteen, not only in the policy.”

Good to know

How much is used (fuel, food, goods). Verb: consume. Everyday: use / intake (food). Related: consumer. Literature: old word for TB.

Near in meaning

use

New