malnutrition

[ mal-noo-trish-uhn, -nyoo- ]

noun

1. lack of proper nutrition; inadequate or unbalanced nutrition.

malnutrition

/ ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. lack of adequate nutrition resulting from insufficient food, unbalanced diet, or defective assimilation

malnutrition

/ măl′no̅o̅-trĭsh′ən /

1. Poor nutrition caused by an insufficient, oversufficient, or poorly balanced diet or by a medical condition, such as chronic diarrhea, resulting in inadequate digestion or utilization of foods.

malnutrition

1. Inadequate nutrition caused by the lack of a balanced diet or by disorders of the digestive system in which the nutrients from food cannot be absorbed properly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of malnutrition¹

First recorded in 1860–65; mal- + nutrition

Example Sentences

“Today, despite strong opposition from a majority of Americans, we continue to spend billions funding the extremist Netanyahu government’s all-out war against the Palestinian people, which has led to the horrific humanitarian disaster of mass malnutrition and the starvation of thousands of children,” he said.

From Salon

At a clinic in Manila, they see first-hand the impacts of malnutrition on babies and toddlers on a regular basis - although as diets change, so too is how the cases are presenting.

From BBC

“We always mention that malnutrition isn't just being undernourished, it's also overnourished also overweight and obese children, and very difficult to diet,” explains Dr Silvestre.

From BBC

This can lead to severe acute malnutrition.

From Salon

Severe acute malnutrition has several short-term impacts.

From Salon

Related Words

• hunger
• starvation