consumo

Consumo is the act of using up goods, services, or resources. In economics and daily language, it refers to the use of goods and services by individuals or households, as opposed to production, investment, or government spending. The amount of consumption in an economy is called household consumption, and it is a central component of macroeconomic accounts. In many models, consumption depends on disposable income, wealth, expectations about the future, interest rates, and credit availability. Durable goods (such as cars) and nondurable goods (such as food) have different patterns.

In environmental and resource terms, consumption determines the scale of energy, water, and material use. Rising consumption can imply higher environmental pressure, but efficiency improvements and service-based consumption can offset some impacts. Policy instruments such as energy efficiency standards, taxes, and subsidies aim to influence consumption patterns toward sustainability.

In sociology and marketing, consumption also refers to the practices, meanings, and identities associated with buying and using goods. Studies of consumer behavior examine motivation, information processing, social norms, and the role of advertising.

Note: in English historical usage, the term consumption has also referred to tuberculosis; in contemporary usage, this sense is rare outside medical history. In Romance languages, consumo commonly denotes the act of consumption of goods and resources.