malabsorption

noun

mal·​ab·​sorp·​tion ˌma-ləb-ˈsȯrp-shən 

-ˈzȯrp-

: faulty absorption especially of nutrient materials from the gastrointestinal tract

Examples of malabsorption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes people who don’t spend a lot of time in the sun, are over the age of 65, have a darker skin tone or live with certain chronic conditions that could cause malabsorption issues (such Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease or liver disease). —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 28 May 2025

Too many bacteria in the small intestine can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and nutrient malabsorption. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

The body reacts to a dietary protein called gluten, damaging the intestines and leading to nutrient malabsorption. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025

Our iron levels are influenced by a range of factors such as malabsorption and blood loss—which for women, occurs during the first three days of your menstrual cycle. —Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for malabsorption

• chemisorption
• reabsorption
• absorption
• adsorption
• desorption
• resorption
• sorption

Medical Definition

malabsorption

noun

mal·​ab·​sorp·​tion ˌmal-əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp- 

: faulty absorption of nutrient materials from the digestive tract

called also malassimilation

malabsorptive

-tiv 

adjective