1. relating to or affected by tuberculosis
Usage: archaic; medical
2. using up or destroying resources wastefully

1. a person suffering from tuberculosis
Usage: archaic; medical

Examples

• The consumptive patient was sent to a sanatorium in the mountains.
• His consumptive cough grew worse during the winter months.
• The factory’s consumptive use of water alarmed environmentalists.
• Our consumptive lifestyle is depleting natural resources rapidly.
• The young consumptive spent her final days writing poetry.
• Modern medicine has largely eliminated the threat of becoming consumptive.
• The consumptive habits of wealthy nations affect global sustainability.