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Malnourished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malnourished

[หŒmรฆlหˆnสŒrษชสƒt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

health

Suffering from malnutrition, typically resulting from a lack of proper nutrients in the diet.

Synonyms

poorly nourished, underfed, undernourished.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malnourished

This word is used in a medical or nutritional context to describe someone who has severe nutritional deficiencies that affect their health.

  • The doctor found that the child was severely malnourished.
  • Malnourished patients need immediate medical attention.
undernourished

Similar to 'malnourished', this word is used to describe someone lacking necessary nutrients for proper health, but it can also imply a less severe condition than 'malnourished'.

  • The report indicated that a large portion of the population is undernourished.
  • Undernourished children may experience developmental delays.
underfed

This word is often used to describe someone who is not getting enough food, often implying neglect or insufficient food supply rather than a medical condition.

  • The stray cat looked underfed and in need of care.
  • During the famine, many families were underfed and struggling to find food.
poorly nourished

This term is slightly less severe than 'malnourished' and can be used in everyday language to describe someone who is not receiving adequate nutrition, but it doesn't necessarily indicate a medical emergency.

  • Due to a lack of access to fresh foods, many people in the area are poorly nourished.
  • She was poorly nourished because she skipped meals frequently.

Examples of usage

  • Children in the famine-stricken region were malnourished and in need of immediate medical attention.
  • The malnourished patients were put on a special diet to help them regain their strength.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Malnourishment can occur if there is not enough food or if the food eaten doesnโ€™t have the right vitamins and minerals.
  • Children who are malnourished might have trouble growing and learning because their bodies need proper nutrition.
  • There are two main types: undernutrition (not enough food) and overnutrition (too much unhealthy food).

Global Issues

  • According to the WHO, millions of children worldwide suffer from malnourishment, especially in areas affected by poverty and conflict.
  • Programs like school feeding initiatives are implemented in many countries to improve nutrition among children.
  • Malnourished communities often face increased health problems and lower economic productivity.

Historical Context

  • During historical famines, malnourishment became widespread, affecting entire populations and leading to severe health crises.
  • In the early 20th century, malnutrition was a significant factor in health issues during wars and economic depressions.
  • The Green Revolution in the 1960s aimed to reduce malnutrition by improving food production methods around the world.

Psychology

  • Studies show that malnourishment can negatively impact cognitive functions, affecting learning and memory.
  • Emotional well-being can also be affected, with malnourished individuals more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
  • A balanced diet is linked to better mood regulation and mental health.

Cultural Perspective

  • Many cultures have traditional practices that prioritize nutrition, often using local foods to combat malnourishment.
  • Culinary traditions can influence diet diversity, which is key in addressing malnourishment.
  • Awareness campaigns often use cultural narratives to communicate the importance of nutrition to combat malnourishment.

Origin of 'malnourished'

The word 'malnourished' originated from the combination of 'mal-' meaning 'bad' or 'wrong' and 'nourish' meaning 'to feed or nourish'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century. Malnourishment can lead to various health issues and is a significant concern in regions affected by poverty, famine, or limited access to food resources.

See also: nourishing, nourishment, undernourished, undernourishment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,760, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.