Starved: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe someone who has not eaten for a very long time and is suffering from extreme hunger. It often implies a critical situation.

• The stray dog looked starved after wandering the streets for days.
• He felt starved after fasting for 24 hours.

This word is used to describe a feeling of extreme hunger but in a more casual, often exaggerated way, typically in everyday conversation.

• I'm absolutely famished! Let's get something to eat.
• The kids came home from school famished and raided the fridge.

This is the most common word to describe the feeling of needing food. It's used in everyday situations and does not carry an extreme tone.

• I'm starting to feel hungry. Is it lunchtime yet?
• She was too hungry to concentrate on her work.

This word describes a state of not having enough nutrients over a period of time. It's usually used in medical or serious contexts and often has a negative connotation.

• Many children in impoverished regions are malnourished.
• The doctor said his patient was malnourished due to a poor diet.

This word is used for describing someone or something that has not received enough food. It often implies a sustained period of insufficient nutrition.

• The underfed livestock were frail and weak.
• He looked underfed, wearing clothes that were too big for him.

Often used when someone has not had enough food for a long time and is extremely hungry.

• The homeless man looked starved after days without food

Describes a situation where someone is prevented from having something they need or want, often causing distress.

• The oppressive regime aimed to deprive its citizens of their basic human rights

Used when someone deliberately keeps something back or does not share it, often involving information or resources.

• The teacher decided to withhold the exam results until all students had completed the test

Used when someone refuses to give or allow something to someone else, often intentionally.

• The company decided to deny the employees' request for additional leave

Used when resources or energy are used up or reduced significantly.

• Repeated mining operations have depleted the region's natural resources

Used to describe someone who has not eaten for a very long time and is suffering severely from lack of food.

• After being lost in the woods for days, he was completely starved.
• The prisoners were starved and in desperate need of nourishment.

General term used to describe the need or desire for food. Suitable for everyday situations.

• I'm getting hungry. Is it almost lunchtime?
• The children were hungry after playing outside all afternoon.

Commonly used in casual conversation to describe being extremely hungry, but typically not literally starving. Often used in a hyperbolic or exaggerated sense.

• I'm absolutely famished; let's get something to eat!
• After the long hike, she felt famished and couldn't wait for dinner.

Describes a state of poor nutrition, often due to lack of proper food or nutrients over a longer period. This term is more clinical and serious.

• The organization provided aid to malnourished children in the impoverished regions.
• Many refugees arrive malnourished after their difficult journeys.

Similar to malnourished, it describes a state of insufficient nutrition but can sometimes be less severe. This term is often used in a slightly broader context.

• The undernourished population needed better access to nutritious foods.
• Despite having food, they were undernourished due to a lack of variety in their diet.