Starvation: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe extreme suffering or death due to a severe lack of food. It is used in a serious and extreme context and typically involves prolonged periods without adequate nutrition.

• The humanitarian aid aims to prevent starvation in the drought-affected regions.
• After weeks without food, the refugees were on the brink of starvation.

Hunger is the most general term and can describe the feeling of needing or wanting food. It can be used in everyday situations as well as in more serious contexts to denote the need for food.

• I skipped breakfast, and now I'm feeling intense hunger.
• Efforts are being made to combat hunger in impoverished communities.

Famine refers to a widespread scarcity of food that affects large populations over a region or country. It is often caused by natural disasters, wars, or economic crises and leads to widespread hunger and suffering.

• The international community is striving to address the famine in the war-torn country.
• A severe famine has hit the region, and thousands are without food and water.

Malnutrition refers to the condition that arises from not getting the right balance of nutrients. This can be due to a lack of nutrients or an improper balance of nutrients, and it can affect anyone, not just those without access to enough food.

• Children in the remote village are suffering from malnutrition due to poor diet.
• Malnutrition can lead to severe health issues if not addressed promptly.