adjective

emaciated

uh-MAY-shee-ay-tihd

Emaciated (adjective) means Extremely thin and weak, usually from starvation or serious illness. Example: “The rescued dog was emaciated and could barely stand.”

adjective

Extremely thin and weak, usually from starvation or serious illness.

"The rescued dog was emaciated and could barely stand."

"Survivors of the famine were emaciated by the time aid arrived."

How to use emaciated

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDangerously underweight-looking, in a way that suggests hunger or sickness rather than natural slimness.

When to use it

A serious, clinical-sounding word — not used casually for someone who is just slim.

Word forms

more emaciated comparative, most emaciated superlative

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The rescued dog was _____ and could barely stand.

Rhymes for emaciated

dated sated hated elated heated seated treated related bloated belated prorated agitated

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Frequently asked questions

What does “emaciated” mean?

The word “emaciated” means extremely thin and weak, usually from starvation or serious illness. In plain terms, dangerously underweight-looking, in a way that suggests hunger or sickness rather than natural slimness.

How do you pronounce “emaciated”?

“Emaciated” is pronounced uh-MAY-shee-ay-tihd (/ɪˈmeɪ.siˌeɪ.tɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “emaciated” in a sentence?

Here is “emaciated” used in a sentence: “The rescued dog was emaciated and could barely stand.”

What part of speech is “emaciated”?

“Emaciated” is an adjective.