malnutrition
UK: ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃən | US: ˌmælnuːˈtrɪʃən
n. a lack of proper nutrition, caused by insufficient or unbalanced diet.
n. a condition resulting from chronic undernourishment or poor absorption of nutrients.
malnutrition = mal<bad> + nutrition<nourishment>
- mal (from Latin malus, meaning "bad")
- nutrition (from Latin nutritio, meaning "nourishment")
Etymology Origin:
The word "malnutrition" combines the Latin prefix mal- (indicating "bad" or "wrong") with nutrition, derived from nutrire ("to nourish"). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe inadequate or harmful dietary conditions. The term reflects a straightforward compounding of "bad" and "nourishment," directly conveying its meaning.
Prolonged malnutrition can lead to stunted growth in children.
The refugee camp faced severe cases of malnutrition due to food shortages.
Doctors warned about the risks of malnutrition in fad diets.
Global efforts aim to reduce malnutrition in developing countries.
Vitamin deficiencies are common symptoms of chronic malnutrition.