Malthusian

American  

[mal-thoo-zhuhn, -zee-uhn] / mælˈθu ʒən, -zi ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the theories of T. R. Malthus, which state that population tends to increase faster, at a geometrical ratio, than the means of subsistence, which increases at an arithmetical ratio, and that this will result in an inadequate supply of the goods supporting life unless war, famine, or disease reduces the population or the increase of population is checked.

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noun

1. a follower of Malthus.

Malthusian British  

/ mælˈθjuːzɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the theory of Malthus stating that increases in population tend to exceed increases in the means of subsistence and that therefore sexual restraint should be exercised

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noun

1. a supporter of this theory

Other Word Forms

• Malthusianism noun
• anti-Malthusian adjective
• anti-Malthusianism noun
• non-Malthusian adjective
• pro-Malthusian adjective
• pro-Malthusianism noun

Etymology

Origin of Malthusian

First recorded in 1805–15; Malthus + -ian

Example Sentences

His simple idea—that ordinary human beings are “the ultimate resource”—challenged the Malthusian notion that population growth leads to shortages and, ultimately, famine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

In 1877, the Malthusian League, which advocated the use of contraception, was founded in Great Britain.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

In plain English, Malthus believed exponential population growth would inevitably outpace food production, increasing poverty and famine, what's known as a "Malthusian catastrophe."

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2022

Are you a little Malthusian in the way you think about all this?

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2022

“All the physiological stigmata of old age have been abolished. And along with them, of course . . .” “Don’t forget to ask him about that Malthusian belt,” said Fanny.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley