consumption
UK: kənˈsʌmpʃn | US: kənˈsʌmpʃn
n. the act of using up resources or goods
n. the process of eating, drinking, or inhaling something
n. (dated) a wasting disease, especially tuberculosis
Derived from Latin consumptionem (a using up), the word combines con- (intensifying "together") and sumere (to take). Originally tied to the idea of "taking completely," it evolved to mean the depletion of resources (18th century) and later became a medical term for tuberculosis, reflecting how the disease "consumes" the body. The economic sense emerged with industrialization.
Excessive consumption of fossil fuels harms the environment.
The doctor warned him about high sugar consumption.
In the 19th century, consumption was a leading cause of death.
Modern society encourages unsustainable consumption patterns.
Her research focuses on energy consumption in urban areas.