Consumption is a common concept in economics, and gives rise to derived concepts such as consumer debt. Generally, consumption is defined in part by comparison to production. But the precise definition can vary because different schools of economists define production quite differently. According to mainstream economists, only the final purchase of goods and services by individuals constitutes consumption, while other types of expenditure — in particular, fixed investment, intermediate consumption and government spending — are placed in separate categories. See consumer choice. Other economists define consumption much more broadly, as the aggregate of all economic activity that does not entail the design, production and marketing of goods and services (e.g. the selection, adoption, use, disposal and recycling of goods and services).

Als Verbrauch wird die aufzehrende Verwendung eines Gutes bezeichnet. Der Begriff bedeutet, dass das Gut durch eine Tätigkeit weniger wird bzw. abnimmt, d. h. verbraucht wird.

La consommation est le fait de consommer des biens et services, généralement dans le but de satisfaire ses besoins ou ses désirs. Elle est le fait des consommateurs, des entreprises et de l'État.

Konsumtion är den slutliga förbrukningen av varor och tjänster. Förbrukningen får alltså inte ske i syfte att producera nya varor eller tjänster.

Konsumpcja w mikroekonomii to zużywanie posiadanych dóbr w celu bezpośredniego zaspokojenia ludzkich potrzeb, które wpływa na poziom odnoszonej przez konsumenta użyteczności.