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 Biden aides have been especially distressed by the warnings of an imminent famine there and reports of children dying of malnutrition and starvation, according to a person familiar with the discussions, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose private conversations. Yasmeen Abutaleb, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 But these factors were not as significant as malnutrition, researchers said. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 The study also found that malnutrition can also cause heart damage: the very thing Betz was trying to avoid. Audrey Richardson and Aurora Sousanis, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024 Child malnutrition in the region is about three times higher than in southern Gaza, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Kareem Khadder, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 At least 27 people, including 23 children, have died of malnutrition, dehydration and lack of baby formula, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Anushka Patil, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 With Gaza on the brink of famine; children already dying of starvation, according to the United Nations; and aid supplies slowed by Israeli restrictions, the malnutrition death rate is expected to rise in the coming weeks. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Mar. 2024 Access to food, safe water, electricity and medical care is scarce; malnutrition is rising sharply. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Those most at risk include those who are unvaccinated, those who don't know their immunization status, pregnant women and those who have a weakened immune system because of illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and/or medications. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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
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