Word
malnourished
Phoneticsmal·nour·ished, stress on the second syllable
US/mæɫˈnɝɪʃt/
UK/mˌælnˈʌɹɪʃt/
Definition
v. not getting enough of the right foods to stay healthy. This can make you feel weak and sick because your body lacks the energy and vitamins it needs.
v. suffering from a deficiency of nutrients or an imbalance in the diet. Often used to describe individuals or populations experiencing food insecurity or medical conditions that prevent proper absorption.
Examples
“The doctor said the child was malnourished and needed more protein.”
“After weeks of living on stale bread and water, the refugees were visibly malnourished and exhausted.”
“The study highlights how malnourished populations are more susceptible to infectious diseases, as a lack of essential vitamins and minerals significantly weakens the immune system's ability to respond to pathogens.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor said the child was malnourished and needed more protein.”
contextual
“After weeks of living on stale bread and water, the refugees were visibly malnourished and exhausted.”
complex
“The study highlights how malnourished populations are more susceptible to infectious diseases, as a lack of essential vitamins and minerals significantly weakens the immune system's ability to respond to pathogens.”
Real-World Examples
“It is also far more cost-effective than waiting until a child is severely malnourished and needs life-saving treatment,” said Mr.” “Across eastern DRC, 2.6 million people are seriously malnourished , with more than half located in Ituri.” Etymology
From mal- + nourished.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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