undernutrition

American  

[uhn-der-noo-trish-uhn, -nyoo-] / ˌʌn dər nuˈtrɪʃ ən, -nyu- /

noun

1. nutritional deficiency resulting from lack of food or from the inability of the body to convert or absorb it.

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Etymology

Origin of undernutrition

First recorded in 1895–1900; under- + nutrition

Compare meaning

How does undernutrition compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• malnutrition vs. undernutrition

Example Sentences

Their immune systems are generally weaker, especially if undernutrition is in the mix.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2024

A new tool developed at the University of Virginia School of Medicine will help doctors and scientists better understand and overcome childhood undernutrition that contributes to almost half of all deaths of children under 5.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2024

Being overweight, even obese, does not protect against undernutrition.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2024

"To prevent undernutrition in children, we must also address malnutrition in adolescent girls and women," she added.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2023

In New York in this past winter, two things were observed which are undoubtedly closely connected—increased undernutrition among school children, and decreased use of milk.

From Food Guide for War Service at Home Prepared under the direction of the United States Food Administration in co-operation with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Education, with a preface by Herbert Hoover by Powdermaker, Florence