Famishment: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in literary or dramatic contexts to describe extreme hunger and the physical effects of not having enough food.

• The villagers' faces showed the clear signs of famishment.

Describes a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake; it is often used in severe, urgent contexts and can have a negative connotation.

• The drought led to widespread starvation in the region.
• Rescue efforts are underway to prevent the affected population from succumbing to starvation.

General term for the feeling of needing or wanting food; can be used in everyday conversation. It does not necessarily imply extreme deprivation.

• I feel a bit of hunger before lunch every day.
• Their campaign aims to end child hunger in the community.

Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe poor health due to not having the right nutrients in one's diet.

• The doctor diagnosed him with malnutrition due to a lack of essential vitamins.
• Efforts are being made globally to combat malnutrition in developing countries.