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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Advancing age, severe illness or injury, and malnutrition: It's estimated that people ages 40-80 can lose 30-50% of their muscle mass, which can cause weakness and frail bones. Lauren O'Connor, Health, 22 July 2025 That brings the total number of deaths from famine and malnutrition since the war began to 101, which includes 80 children, according to the health ministry. Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 22 July 2025 Between March 2 and May 21, Israel imposed an 11-week blockade on aid to the Gaza Strip, and UN agencies have since sounded the alarm about growing levels of starvation and malnutrition in the territory. Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 21 July 2025 In response to national attention in the late 1960s to widespread hunger and malnutrition in other areas of the country, such as among tenant farmers in the rural South, a limited food stamps program was expanded. Tracy Roof, The Conversation, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for malnutrition

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malnutrition was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malnutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malnutrition. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!