malnutrition

noun

mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-nu̇-ˈtri-shən 

-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

Investing in nature is crucial for building resilient food systems, combating malnutrition, and preventing economic decline. — Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

In September, Gaza health officials attributed four hundred and forty deaths to malnutrition, including those of a hundred and forty-seven children. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

At a hospital in Sokoto, records shared with AP show nearly 40 children previously treated for malnutrition since February are currently under treatment again, in addition to those not documented. — ABC News, 19 July 2026

At a hospital in Sokoto, records shared with AP show nearly 40 children previously treated for malnutrition since February are under treatment again, in addition to those not documented. — Ope Adetayo, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for malnutrition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

malnutrition

noun

mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

: faulty nutrition especially due to inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

malnutrition

noun

mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən 

: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization

malnutritional

-ᵊl 

adjective