malnutrition

[mal-noo-trish-uhn, -nyoo-]

noun

1. lack of proper nutrition; inadequate or unbalanced nutrition.

malnutrition

/ ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. lack of adequate nutrition resulting from insufficient food, unbalanced diet, or defective assimilation

malnutrition

1. Poor nutrition caused by an insufficient, oversufficient, or poorly balanced diet or by a medical condition, such as chronic diarrhea, resulting in inadequate digestion or utilization of foods.

malnutrition

1. Inadequate nutrition caused by the lack of a balanced diet or by disorders of the digestive system in which the nutrients from food cannot be absorbed properly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of malnutrition¹

First recorded in 1860–65; mal- + nutrition

Example Sentences

Every child was suffering from malnutrition, she added.

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Prabowo has defended the flagship free meal programme as a way to tackle child malnutrition, arguing that cases of food poisoning were low compared to the number of meals served.

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He said the 18-month siege of el-Fasher - and the surrounding North Darfur region - have been an epicentre of suffering, with malnutrition, disease and violence claiming lives every day.

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The country continues to grapple with high levels of inequality, malnutrition and unemployment.

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The policy originated in Brazil after decades of campaigning by indigenous rights groups, who saw that initial contact with isolated people lead to entire groups being wiped out by disease, poverty and malnutrition.

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Related Words

• hunger 
• starvation