Consumption: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used to describe the act of consuming resources, food, or energy. Common in contexts related to economics, energy, or health.

• The consumption of electricity has increased over the past decade.
• High sugar consumption can lead to health problems.

Refers to the effective use of resources or assets, often used in contexts like project management, logistics, or economics.

• The factory has improved its resource utilization.
• Proper utilization of time can lead to better productivity.

Often used in financial and economic contexts to describe the amount of money spent on something.

• The government has increased its expenditure on healthcare.
• Their household expenditure exceeds their income.

Used to indicate how something is used or the frequency of use. Common in contexts related to technology, language, or patterns of behavior.

• Mobile phone usage has skyrocketed among teenagers.
• The usage of this term varies between regions.

Used to refer broadly to the act of using up resources, particularly food, drink, or other supplies.

• The excessive consumption of sugary drinks can lead to health problems.
• Fuel consumption in cars has decreased with the advent of hybrid technology.

Specifically refers to the act of taking food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing it.

• He went to the doctor after experiencing pain following the ingestion of spoiled food.
• Medicines need to be safe for ingestion.

Refers to the amount of something consumed, especially concerning food, drink, or air.

• The doctor recommended reducing sugar intake for better health.
• Daily calorie intake should be monitored for weight management.

Refers to the process by which substances are taken in and assimilated, often used in scientific or biological contexts.

• Nutrients from the food are absorbed in the small intestine.
• This sponge has high water absorption capacity.

Use 'consumption' when talking about the act of using up resources, especially food, drink, or fuel. It often implies the amount consumed.

• The consumption of sugar can lead to health problems.
• Our energy consumption increased this month.

Use 'utilization' when talking about making practical and effective use of something. It often implies efficiency and optimization.

• The utilization of this software will help improve productivity.
• Factory utilization rates are at an all-time high.

Use 'expenditure' when referring to the amount of money spent, particularly for a specific purpose. It often implies large or significant spending.

• The government has increased its expenditure on healthcare.
• We need to reduce our expenditure to balance the budget.

Use 'usage' to discuss how something is used, often with regard to language or technology. It implies habitual or standardized practices.

• The usage of certain words has changed over time.
• Please check your data usage on your phone plan.