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

Several studies have shown that undernutrition affects one in ten older people living independently at home.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2024

In resource-limited settings where maternal undernutrition is pervasive, researchers sought to understand the optimal timing and dosage of B-12 supplements during pregnancy and lactation.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2023

More than 43.4% of the country's children under 5 years of age are suffering from nutrition problems, according to the report released in October, with 42.9% suffering from some form of undernutrition.

From Reuters • Jan. 18, 2023

The cereal may furnish half the fuel value of the diet, partly bread-stuffs and partly in some of the other ways as suggested, without any danger of undernutrition.

From Everyday Foods in War Time by Rose, Mary Swartz