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malnutrition

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmæl.njuːˈtrɪʃ.ən/

KK: /mælˈnuːtrɪʃən/

noun
Definition

A condition that occurs when a person's diet does not provide enough nutrients or the right balance of nutrients, leading to health problems.


Example

Malnutrition can lead to serious health issues, especially in children.


Conversation
Sloth A
I read an article about malnutrition and its effects on children.
Sloth B
That's really concerning. What did it say?
Sloth A
It mentioned that many kids suffer from malnutrition due to lack of access to healthy food.
Sloth B
Wow, we really need to do more to help those in need.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
undernourishment
starvation
deficiency
Antonyms
nourishment
abundance
plenty
Root Explanation

Malnutrition → It is formed from "mal-" (meaning bad or ill) and "nutrire" (meaning to nourish). The word describes a state of being poorly nourished or having inadequate nutrition.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mal-' meaning bad and 'nutrire' meaning to nourish — this helps you remember that malnutrition refers to a state of bad nourishment.

Visually Confused Words
nutrition
misnutrition
aglutition
manuscription
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