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

Our nutrition programs in Baidoa, Somalia, have reported an increase in malnutrition admissions since the funding cuts. —Belinda Luscombe, Time, 30 Apr. 2025

Obesity rates have continued their upward march around the world, even in countries that use the strictest warning labels and in parts of the world where other citizens suffer from malnutrition. —Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Child malnutrition rising Doctors warn that the lack of variety, protein and other nutrients in children’s diets will cause long-term damage to their health. —Wafaa Shurafa and Lee Keath, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

He was diagnosed with acute malnutrition at the local aid clinic. —Marc Silver, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025

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