malnutrition

noun

mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-nu̇-ˈtri-shən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
-nyu̇-
: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization

Examples of malnutrition in a Sentence

a program to help poor children suffering from malnutrition
Recent Examples on the Web Child malnutrition in the region is about three times higher than in southern Gaza, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sana Noor Haq, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Those most at risk include those who are unvaccinated, those who don't know their immunization status, pregnant women and those who have a weakened immune system because of illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and/or medications. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024 The dramatic collapse of agriculture and food production in the past few years has made matters worse, increasing fears about hunger and malnutrition on the island. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 The Division of Family Services eventually took custody of children in October 2021 after they were hospitalized several times for severe malnutrition. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Two infants died of dehydration and malnutrition at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza City, said the spokesman for Gaza's Health Ministry, Ashraf al-Qidra. Tia Goldenberg, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2024 Countries currently experiencing cholera epidemics are some of the same countries where child malnutrition rates are high — a separate yet related crisis fueled by some of the same factors that bring disease. Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 During his door-to-door sales, Zong learned that many children were picky eaters and suffered from varying degrees of malnutrition, which was a big headache for parents. Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 Our models include the effects of acute malnutrition on death rates. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malnutrition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malnutrition was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near malnutrition

Cite this Entry

“Malnutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malnutrition. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

malnutrition

noun
mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
: faulty nutrition especially due to inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

malnutrition

noun
mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization
malnutritional adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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