malnutrition

noun

mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-nu̇-ˈtri-shən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
-nyu̇-
Synonyms of malnutritionnext
: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization

Examples of malnutrition in a Sentence

a program to help poor children suffering from malnutrition
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prevent malnutrition by regularly including lean meats, leafy greens, eggs, and dairy in their diet to support growth spurts. William Jones, Ascend Agency, 10 Feb. 2026 In Umm Baru, nearly 53% of children between aged between 6 months and nearly 5 years suffered from acute malnutrition, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said -- almost double the famine threshold, which stands at 30%. Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026 Famine threatens more towns in Sudan’s Darfur region, with two areas now showing famine-level acute malnutrition that risks more deaths. Noha Elhennawy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Concerns about diversion and terrorism have been used to justify shutting down all assistance to Afghanistan and Yemen—countries where urgent intervention is needed to prevent deaths from malnutrition, according to the federal government’s famine data. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for malnutrition

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of malnutrition was in 1862

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malnutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malnutrition. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

malnutrition

noun
mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
: faulty nutrition especially due to inadequate intake of nutrients

Medical Definition

malnutrition

noun
mal·​nu·​tri·​tion ˌmal-n(y)u̇-ˈtrish-ən How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
: faulty nutrition due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired assimilation or utilization
malnutritional adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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