Malthusian

adjective

Mal·​thu·​sian mal-ˈthü-zhən 

mȯl-,

-ˈthyü-

: of or relating to Malthus or to his theory that population tends to increase at a faster rate than its means of subsistence and that unless it is checked by moral restraint or disaster (such as disease, famine, or war) widespread poverty and degradation inevitably result

… Malthusian worries are resurgent and people fear the consequences for an overcrowded planet …

—Economist

Malthusian noun

Malthusianism

mal-ˈthü-zhə-ˌni-zəm 

mȯl-

-ˈthyü-

noun

Word History

Etymology

Thomas R. Malthus

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Malthusian

• neo-Malthusian

Medical Definition

Malthusian

adjective

Mal·​thu·​sian mal-ˈth(y)ü-zhən  mȯl- 

: of or relating to Malthus or to his theory that population tends to increase at a faster rate than its means of subsistence and that unless it is checked by moral restraint or by disease, famine, war, or other disaster widespread poverty and degradation inevitably result

Malthusian noun