malnutrition

noun

mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-nu̇-ˈtri-shən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
-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 American Indian historians said many of the children likely died of malnutrition, abuse, tuberculosis or typhoid. Emmanuel Martinez, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2023 By 2050, the risk of hunger and malnutrition could rise by 20 percent worldwide because of the effects of climate change. Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 17 Aug. 2023 The impact will be far-reaching: Farmers will lose crops and money, while families suffer from hunger, malnutrition, and other life-threatening health challenges. Gina McCarthy, Time, 16 Aug. 2023 These symptoms may occur intermittently or persistently, leading to weight loss and malnutrition over time. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Aug. 2023 The crisis is particularly acute for teenagers, many of whom are hospitalized repeatedly for complications of malnutrition while waiting to be approved for mental health care. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2023 Other causes of Beau's lines include chemotherapy, eczema, injuries, malnutrition, or psoriasis.2 Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, thick patches of skin or silver scales.10 Diabetes and liver and lung disease may cause white or yellow nail discoloration. Korin Miller, Health, 22 Aug. 2023 Not Flowering If the Curcuma plant is not flowering, this is a sign of inadequate light, malnutrition, or possible winter damage. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2023 The ensuing years have seen high rates of poverty and malnutrition. Tara John, CNN, 21 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malnutrition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malnutrition was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near malnutrition

Cite this Entry

“Malnutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malnutrition. Accessed 24 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

malnutrition

noun
mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
: faulty nutrition especially due to inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

malnutrition

noun
mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization
malnutritional adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!