Synonyms for

Consumption

Verb / kʌˈnsʌmpʃʌn / / kʌˈnsʌmʃʌn / Another word for consumption — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of using up a resource or the purchase of goods and services by the public.

Synonyms & similar words

wastingdisease whiteplague ingestion use pulmonarytuberculosis expenditure phthisis usingup useofgoodsandservices uptake intake economicconsumption usance expenditure usage utilization spending depletion exhaustion waste use exploitation absorption ingestion intake devouring swallowing drinking eating acquisition procurement purchase buying

Synonyms by register

Formal

utilization expenditure exhaustion depletion

Informal

using up eating drinking spending

Literary

devouring ingestion

Antonyms

production creation generation manufacture supply conservation

Common collocations

  • consumer consumption
  • energy consumption
  • food consumption
  • total consumption
  • reduce consumption
  • increase consumption
  • patterns of consumption
  • level of consumption

Word family

noun consumption
verb consume
adjective consumptive
adverb consumptively

Usage note

Consumption often refers to the use of goods and services, but can also mean the act of destroying or using something up. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. The consumption of gasoline has increased in the past decade.
  2. The government is trying to reduce the consumption of plastic bags.
  3. The consumption of sugary drinks can lead to health problems.
  4. His consumption of books is impressive.
  5. The consumption of meat has been linked to climate change.

Quotes

  • The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things. - Elise Boulding
  • The problem with consumption is that it makes us feel like we're solving problems, when in reality it's just creating them. - Bea Johnson
  • The key to a sustainable future is to reduce our consumption and live within our means. - Vandana Shiva

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