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

Since Tuesday, 17 children had arrived at the emergency room showing signs of malnutrition and an elderly man had died due to severe dehydration, he added.

From BBC

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

Bacterial infection is a leading cause of death for children with severe acute malnutrition.

From Salon

Drought exposed 151 million more people to food insecurity last year, compared with the 1990s, which has contributed to malnutrition.

From BBC

Refugees and survivors often suffer malnutrition and stress that can inflict higher rates of chronic diseases later in life.

From Salon

Related Words

• hunger
• starvation