What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hunger
Example
I haven't eaten all day, and I'm starting to feel hunger pangs. [hunger: noun]
Example
The aroma of freshly baked bread made my hunger even stronger. [hunger: noun]
Example
Many people in the world suffer from chronic hunger and malnutrition. [hunger: noun]
starvation
Example
The refugees were on the brink of starvation after days without food or water. [starvation: noun]
Example
During the war, many people died of starvation due to the blockade of food supplies. [starvation: noun]
Example
The government declared a state of emergency due to the threat of widespread starvation. [starvation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hunger is a more common and versatile word that can be used in everyday language, while starvation is a less commonly used term that is usually reserved for extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hunger and starvation?
Both hunger and starvation can be used in formal and informal contexts, but starvation is more likely to be used in formal or technical settings due to its specificity and severity.