# emaciated

/ɪˈmeɪʃiˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /iːmˈeɪsɪˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emaciated
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

extremely thin and weak, usually because of illness or not having enough to eat. It describes someone who looks like they have lost a lot of weight in a very unhealthy way.

For teachers: extremely thin and weak, typically as a result of disease, starvation, or extreme physical exertion. Often carries a connotation of suffering or severe malnutrition.

## Examples

- The emaciated hiker was found after three days in the mountains.
- The rescue team discovered an emaciated cat that had been living in the abandoned building for months.
- The documentary features emaciated survivors who recount the harrowing details of their journey through the desert with no access to clean water or food.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.