Definition

Having a lack of the necessary nutrients or food needed for good health and growth.

Example

Many children in the region are undernourished due to food scarcity.

Conversation

I read an article about how many children are undernourished in some countries.

That's really sad; it's hard to believe that happens in today's world.

Yeah, it makes you think about how important nutrition is for everyone.

Absolutely, we should do more to help those who are undernourished.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Undernourished → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "nourish" (from Old French *nourrir*, meaning to feed or provide sustenance) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a state or condition). The word "undernourished" describes a state of not receiving enough nourishment or food.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'below' ('under-') the necessary 'feeding' ('nourish') — that's why undernourished means not getting enough food.

Visually Confused Words