Word
stunting
Phoneticsstunt·ing
UK/stˈʌntɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. poor growth in young children who do not get enough healthy food for a long time, so they stay too short for their age.
n. impaired linear growth in young children resulting from chronic undernutrition or repeated illness, typically measured by low height for age.
Examples
“Poor food causes stunting in young children.”
“The clinic screens toddlers for stunting by measuring height for age and advising parents on balanced meals.”
“Persistent childhood stunting reflects not only food shortages but also repeated infections and poor sanitation that prevent the body from absorbing nutrients during critical years.”
Examples
simple
“Poor food causes stunting in young children.”
contextual
“The clinic screens toddlers for stunting by measuring height for age and advising parents on balanced meals.”
complex
“Persistent childhood stunting reflects not only food shortages but also repeated infections and poor sanitation that prevent the body from absorbing nutrients during critical years.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stunting” in context.
Verb
01. address stunting
“Policymakers need to address stunting as part of poverty reduction efforts.”
verb + noun
02. combat stunting
“Governments must combat stunting through coordinated health policies.”
verb + noun
03. eliminate stunting
“The UN goal is to eliminate stunting and help every child reach full potential.”
verb + noun
04. prevent stunting
“Balanced diets and clean water help prevent stunting in vulnerable communities.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. childhood stunting
“Childhood stunting remains a major public health challenge in low-income regions.”
adj + noun
06. chronic stunting
“Chronic stunting reflects long-term undernutrition, not short-term food shortages.”
adj + noun
07. irreversible stunting
“Irreversible stunting can limit physical growth and cognitive potential for life.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. burden of stunting
“Sub-Saharan Africa carries a heavy burden of stunting among young children.”
noun + prep + noun
09. prevalence of stunting
“The prevalence of stunting is highest among children under five.”
noun + prep + noun
10. at risk of stunting
“Children in food-insecure households are most at risk of stunting.”
11. high rates of stunting
“The region still reports high rates of stunting despite rising incomes.”
12. prevent childhood stunting
“Exclusive breastfeeding for six months helps prevent childhood stunting.”
Real-World Examples
“Yet funding was cut and a £2tn investment gap opened up relative to international competitors, stunting growth.” Word family
NOUN
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/stunting