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.
Thirteen surviving sloths were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo earlier this year with malnutrition and other critical conditions, and several have since died there, despite veterinary care. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 In a country where poverty is rife and malnutrition strikes the most vulnerable, such income losses can be critical. — Abdul Qahar Afghan, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026 The country, which has been under the complete control of the Taliban, has also experienced deadly strikes from Pakistan, earthquakes and widespread hunger and malnutrition. — Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026 Wasting – the most life-threatening form of acute malnutrition – is on the rise. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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