Malthusian
adjective
Mal·thu·sian
mal-ˈthü-zhən 
mȯl-,
-ˈthyü-
: of or relating to Malthus or to his theory that population tends to increase at a faster rate than its means of subsistence and that unless it is checked by moral restraint or disaster (such as disease, famine, or war) widespread poverty and degradation inevitably result
… Malthusian worries are resurgent and people fear the consequences for an overcrowded planet …—
Economist
Economist
Malthusian
noun
Cite this Entry
“Malthusian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Malthusian. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Malthusian
adjective
Mal·thu·sian
mal-ˈth(y)ü-zhən
mȯl-
mȯl-
: of or relating to Malthus or to his theory that population tends to increase at a faster rate than its means of subsistence and that unless it is checked by moral restraint or by disease, famine, war, or other disaster widespread poverty and degradation inevitably result
Malthusian
noun
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