# malnourished

/mæɫˈnɝɪʃt/ (US) · /mˌælnˈʌɹɪʃt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malnourished
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.