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Malthusian

adjective
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Mal·​thu·​sian | \ mal-ˈthü-zhən How to pronounce Malthusian (audio) , mȯl-, -ˈthyü- \

Definition of Malthusian

: 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

Other Words from Malthusian

Malthusian noun
Malthusianism \ mal-​ˈthü-​zhə-​ˌni-​zəm How to pronounce Malthusian (audio) , mȯl-​ , -​ˈthyü-​ \ noun

First Known Use of Malthusian

1805, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Malthusian

Thomas R. Malthus

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The first known use of Malthusian was in 1805

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Cite this Entry

“Malthusian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Malthusian. Accessed 19 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for Malthusian

Malthusian

adjective
Mal·​thu·​sian | \ mal-ˈth(y)ü-zhən How to pronounce Malthusian (audio) , mȯl- How to pronounce Malthusian (audio) \

Medical Definition of Malthusian

: 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

Other Words from Malthusian

Malthusian noun

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