<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of consuming, as by use, decay, or destruction</li><li>the amount consumed</li><li>the high consumption of gasoline</li><li>the using up of goods and services having an exchangeable value</li><li>tuberculosis of the lungs (older use)</li><li>progressive wasting of the body</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>utilization</li><li>depletion</li><li>exploitation</li></ul>