Hungry: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'hungry' in everyday contexts when you feel a need to eat. It is a neutral and common term.

• I'm feeling hungry; let's grab some lunch soon

Use 'starving' to express an extreme level of hunger. Though it is often used hyperbolically in casual conversation, it can also refer to a serious lack of food. Be mindful, as it can sometimes carry a dramatic or urgent tone.

• I haven't eaten since yesterday, I'm starving!

Use 'ravenous' to describe an extreme and urgent hunger. This word is stronger than ‘famished’ and can sometimes emphasize greediness. It is less common in casual conversation.

• After hiking all day, we were ravenous by the time we got back to the campsite

Use 'famished' when you want to emphasize that you are very hungry. This term is slightly more intense and can be used in informal contexts.

• I missed breakfast and now I’m absolutely famished!

This word is commonly used to describe the feeling when someone needs or wants to eat. It's an everyday term suitable for casual and general conversations.

• I am hungry, let's get some lunch.
• After the long hike, everyone was hungry.

Often used similarly to 'malnourished,' but it might slightly lean towards insufficient dietary intake rather than general poor nutrition. It is more formal and less commonly used in casual conversation.

• The report shows that many undernourished children are at risk of serious health problems.
• The refugees were found to be severely undernourished.

Typically used in medical or technical contexts to describe someone who is suffering from a lack of proper nutrition, often leading to health issues. This word has a more serious and clinical connotation.

• The doctor said that the child is malnourished and needs better nutrition.
• Many people in the affected regions are malnourished due to the food shortage.

As above, it primarily refers to needing food or having a strong desire for something.

• The kids were hungry after a long day at school.
• He approached his new project with hungry determination.

Used when someone has a strong desire to achieve success or reach higher goals, often in their career or personal life.

• She is very ambitious and aims to become the CEO of the company.
• His ambitious plans include expanding the business internationally.

This word is used when someone is very excited and keen to do or have something. It's a more general term compared to 'avid'.

• The children were eager to open their presents.
• She was eager to start her new job.

This word describes someone who is very enthusiastic and passionate about an activity or interest. It's often used positively.

• He is an avid reader and finishes several books a month.
• She's an avid traveler, always planning her next adventure.