Meaning & use
Consumptive
Last updated
Relating to or affected by tuberculosis, or tending to consume or use up resources excessively.
See it in a sentence
In the 19th century, a pale, consumptive appearance was even considered fashionable.
Economists warned against the region's consumptive use of natural resources.
A note on using this word
Historically, 'consumptive' described tuberculosis patients, since the disease was once called 'consumption.'
Words with a similar meaning
wastingexcessive
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A person suffering from tuberculosis (dated usage).
The sanatorium housed dozens of consumptives seeking mountain air.
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