Malthusian
adjective
Of or related to the theories of Thomas Malthus, a British economist. His theories described how population growth might decrease the living standards if not controlled.
The current economic situation is truly malthusian.

Often appears as...
- malthusian catastrophe
- malthusian principles
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Believing that population growth will lead to catastrophe due to the lack of resources.
His malthusian views caused him to advocate for population control.

Often appears as...
- malthusian fears
- malthusian mindset
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Of or related to the theories of Thomas Malthus, a British economist. His theories described how population growth might decrease the living standards if not controlled.
The current economic situation is truly malthusian.

Often appears as...
- malthusian catastrophe
- malthusian principles
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Believing that population growth will lead to catastrophe due to the lack of resources.
His malthusian views caused him to advocate for population control.

Often appears as...
- malthusian fears
- malthusian mindset
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2

Origin Insight
Understanding Malthus' original ideas helps grasp the term's use in discussions about population and resources.

Economic policies can have Malthusian implications when they don't address population growth.
Academic Context
The term is often used in academic discussions on economics, population studies, and environmental concerns.

In her thesis, she explored the Malthusian impacts of rapid urbanization.
Potential Misunderstanding
'Malthusian' doesn't always imply catastrophe; it can refer to a perspective on resource limits.

The research paper analyzed the Malthusian limits to agricultural productivity.
Origin Insight
Understanding Malthus' original ideas helps grasp the term's use in discussions about population and resources.

Economic policies can have Malthusian implications when they don't address population growth.
Academic Context
The term is often used in academic discussions on economics, population studies, and environmental concerns.

In her thesis, she explored the Malthusian impacts of rapid urbanization.
Potential Misunderstanding
'Malthusian' doesn't always imply catastrophe; it can refer to a perspective on resource limits.

The research paper analyzed the Malthusian limits to agricultural productivity.
Origin Insight
Understanding Malthus' original ideas helps grasp the term's use in discussions about population and resources.

Economic policies can have Malthusian implications when they don't address population growth.
Academic Context
The term is often used in academic discussions on economics, population studies, and environmental concerns.

In her thesis, she explored the Malthusian impacts of rapid urbanization.
Potential Misunderstanding
'Malthusian' doesn't always imply catastrophe; it can refer to a perspective on resource limits.

The research paper analyzed the Malthusian limits to agricultural productivity.
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