Undernourished: meaning, definitions and examples

Duplicate entry.

Typically used in medical and humanitarian contexts, this word describes someone who is not just lacking in food but also specific nutrients. It implies a broader range of nutritional deficiencies.

• Many refugees are malnourished and in need of immediate nutritional support.
• The malnourished children were given supplements to improve their health.

This term is commonly used in a less formal context to describe someone or even animals that are not getting enough food, but the situation is not as critical as 'starving'.

• The underfed dog was rescued by the animal shelter.
• Many students from low-income families were found to be underfed.

This word is often used in a more extreme or urgent context to describe someone who is suffering severely from lack of food. It generally has strong emotional impact.

• The stranded hikers were starving after three days without food.
• In the documentary, we saw starving families struggling to survive.