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

These varied protests come amid global concern over the malnutrition crisis in Gaza and the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on civilians. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 Sep. 2025

Those differences seem to be shaped by malnutrition. —Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025

Hospital staff determined the boy weighed only 30 pounds and was critically ill with severe malnutrition and a core temperature below 80 degrees, according to the affidavit. —Jennifer Edwards Baker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Sep. 2025

Salk scientists identify possible tool to fight malnutrition Malnutrition is said to impact 150 million children younger than 5 and account for more than half the deaths in that population. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 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