What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underfed
Example
The children in the orphanage looked underfed and malnourished. [underfed: adjective]
Example
She was underfed and weak after going on a strict diet for months. [underfed: past participle]
malnourished
Example
The malnourished child was admitted to the hospital for treatment. [malnourished: adjective]
Example
She developed a range of health issues due to being malnourished for years. [malnourished: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malnourished is more commonly used than underfed in everyday language. Malnourished is a more specific term that implies a serious health issue, while underfed is a more general term that can refer to a variety of situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underfed and malnourished?
Malnourished is a more formal term than underfed. It is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe a serious health condition, while underfed is more commonly used in casual conversation and everyday language.
