What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
starvation
Example
The refugees were facing starvation due to the lack of food and water. [starvation: noun]
Example
The prolonged drought led to widespread starvation in the region. [starvation: noun]
undernourishment
Example
The children in the village suffered from undernourishment due to the lack of access to nutritious food. [undernourishment: noun]
Example
The elderly woman was undernourished and weak due to her poor diet. [undernourished: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Undernourishment is more commonly used than starvation in everyday language, as it is a more common and ongoing problem in many parts of the world. Starvation is less common and often associated with extreme situations such as famine or war.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between starvation and undernourishment?
Both starvation and undernourishment are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts, such as medical or humanitarian reports.
