Malthusian

adjective

Mal·​thu·​sian mal-ˈthü-zhən How to pronounce Malthusian (audio)
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 planetEconomist
Malthusian noun
Malthusianism
mal-ˈthü-zhə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Malthusian (audio)
mȯl-
-ˈthyü-
noun

Word History

Etymology

Thomas R. Malthus

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Malthusian was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near Malthusian

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

Malthusian

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