Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - consumption

1. The consumption of fuel or natural resources is the amount of them that is used or the act of using them. The laws have led to a reduction in fuel consumption in the US. ...a tax on the consumption of non-renewable energy resources. N-UNCOUNT: with supp 2. The consumption of food or drink is the act of eating or drinking something, or the amount that is eaten or drunk. (FORMAL) Most of the wine was unfit for human consumption... The average daily consumption of fruit and vegetables is around 200 grams... N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp 3. Consumption is the act of buying and using things. Recycling the waste from our increased consumption is better than burning it. N-UNCOUNT 4. see also conspicuous consumption