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

Thirteen surviving animals were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo, suffering from malnutrition and other critical conditions, and several have since died there, despite veterinary care. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

The agency said 12 Afghan provinces have reached critical levels of acute child malnutrition, a record number. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

The growing pressure on food systems has already impacted the charity’s ability to treat child malnutrition. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Kikuko’s mother died of malnutrition soon after the war ended. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 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