malnourishment
noun C2
Plain meaning
poor health caused by not getting enough or the right food
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe poor health caused by not getting enough or the right food, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe article mentioned malnourishment as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines malnourishment in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear malnourishmentevidence of malnourishmentwidespread malnourishment
Watch out
Do not use “malnourishment” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.