malnutrition

American  

[mal-noo-trish-uhn, -nyoo-] / ˌmæl nuˈtrɪʃ ən, -nyu- /

noun

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

---

malnutrition British  

/ ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃən /

noun

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

---

malnutrition Scientific  

/ măl′no̅o̅-trĭsh′ən /

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 Cultural  

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of malnutrition

First recorded in 1860–65; mal- + nutrition

Compare meaning

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

• malnutrition vs. undernutrition

Example Sentences

"The nutritional situation is very bad and malnutrition is increasing," he said.

From Barron's

The Gates Foundation plans to close in 2045, with Bill Gates planning to spend more than $200 billion until then fighting poverty, malnutrition and other global problems.

From The Wall Street Journal

Crush, a loggerhead turtle, was given life-saving treatment at New Era Veterinary Hospital in St Saviour, Jersey, after she was found extremely weak and suffering from malnutrition.

From BBC

"Kala-azar affects mostly the poorest in our community," Kibati said, exacerbated by malnutrition and weak immunity.

From Barron's

During a recent visit, AFP saw eight children suffering from severe malnutrition, including a 32-month-old girl weighing just 4.5 kilograms and another child who had been readmitted after returning to a household with no food.

From Barron's

Related Words

• hunger
• starvation