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

Undernutrition - which can manifest itself as wasting and stunting - remains a significant problem in the under-fives in many low and middle income countries.

From BBC

Their immune systems are generally weaker, especially if undernutrition is in the mix.

From Slate

The research model created by UVA's Carrie A. Cowardin, PhD, and colleagues provides a more sophisticated way to study the effects of undernutrition on the microbiome, the microbes that naturally live inside the gut, and, in turn, on growth and the immune system.

From Science Daily

The new model, Cowardin said, should help scientists better understand the underlying biological causes of stunted growth and other harmful effects of undernutrition in developing counties.

From Science Daily

"Growth stunting due to undernutrition is a really difficult problem facing global child health, and the lessons we learn will likely apply to many other conditions as well."

From Science Daily