food insecure

American  

[food in-si-kyoor] / ˈfud ˌɪn sɪˈkjʊər /

Or food-insecure

adjective

1. having or characterized by limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

   Lack of rain has made for a reduced harvest, and at least 1.31 million people in the region are food insecure.

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Etymology

Origin of food insecure

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Millions of people in Sudan and Haiti were reported as acutely food insecure, according to the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Some 1.4 million residents in the Big Apple are food insecure, meaning they're unable to regularly access affordable, healthy food.

From Barron's • Nov. 28, 2025

Despite the county making strides to enroll more eligible families over the last decade, de la Haye said, only 29% of food insecure households in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

How does it help feed those who are food insecure?

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2024

The U.N. says some 12.9 million Syrians are food insecure across the country.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024