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.
To add to the problem, ordinary Cubans face malnutrition due to scarcity and high food prices. — Sarah Moreno july 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 If drought follows soon after, those same children, already weakened, are far more prone to malnutrition. — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Chase was homeless in Los Angeles and suffering from severe malnutrition, her father said. — David K. Li, NBC news, 29 June 2026 The returnees have strained local communities, many of which already have scant resources in a country where poverty is rife and malnutrition stalks the most vulnerable. — ABC News, 8 July 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

Rhymes for malnutrition

See All Rhymes for malnutrition

Browse Nearby Words

malnourished
malnutrition
malo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Malnutrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malnutrition. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ᵊl How to pronounce malnutrition (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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