What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undernourished
Example
The children in the impoverished village were undernourished and suffered from various health problems. [undernourished: adjective]
Example
The doctor recommended a balanced diet to prevent undernourishment and improve overall health. [undernourishment: noun]
underfed
Example
The prisoners were underfed and often went to bed hungry. [underfed: adjective]
Example
The charity organization provided food aid to underfed families in the drought-affected region. [underfed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underfed is more commonly used than undernourished in everyday language. Underfed is a more general term that covers a wider range of situations, while undernourished is a more specific term that is used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undernourished and underfed?
Both undernourished and underfed are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
