undernourished

adjective

Definition of undernourishednext
as in haggard
not getting enough food or not getting enough healthy food for good health and growth undernourished children

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of undernourished In undernourished individuals, the immune system may not generate sufficient or lasting protection, thereby reducing vaccine efficacy. — Michael J. Nyenhuis, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026 The center said an increasing number of gray whales are appearing undernourished and dying in the region, noting that 21 gray whales were found dead in San Francisco Bay last year. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 1 May 2026 The conflict in Iran has caused oil prices in Haiti to surge, disrupting critical supply chains, doubling transportation costs and forcing millions of undernourished people to cut back on already scarce meals. — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026 And photos and videos after the storm showed undernourished Cubans, men, women and children dressed in rags and people barely managing in makeshift homes. — David Goodhue march 16, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for undernourished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undernourished
  1. haggard
  2. malnourished
  3. underfed
  4. thin
Adjective
  • The songs on Purdy also have the tone of journal entries, detailing haggard trips to the grocery store, daydreams about his young daughters’ glamorous adult lives, and observations about the banality of oppression.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Xbox, despite its increasingly haggard reputation, has announced backwards compatibility for PC.
    — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of haggard
Adjective
  • Turtles and tortoises often arrive stressed, malnourished and dehydrated.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Brower, a birdwatcher, said her neighbor somehow convinced her to take the pigeon -- which couldn't fly and seemed malnourished -- home in a cardboard box.
    — KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of malnourished
Adjective
  • Parched fields force hydroponic growers, vegetable farmers and fruit producers to halt harvests, sell off underfed livestock at rock-bottom prices and even return to mechanic jobs to survive.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • What began as a niche repertory experiment now spans nearly 100 theaters across 73 cities and eight countries, suggesting the Cinematheque’s gleefully nihilistic concept has tapped into a seriously underfed audience.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
Definition of underfed
Adjective
  • Bajaria may also have hit thin ice with Sarandos after the streamer won just 16 Primetime Emmy Awards this year — its worst showing since 2016 and down from 30 in 2025.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • It was designed with a column, sheath silhouette, with sequins, thin spaghetti straps and a midlength skirt.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of thin

Browse Nearby Words

underneath
undernourished
undernourishment
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Cite this Entry

“Undernourished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undernourished. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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