Malthusian

[ mal-thoo-zhuh n, -zee-uh n ]
/ mælˈθu ʒən, -zi ən /

adjective

of or relating to the theories of T. R. Malthus, which state that population tends to increase faster, at a geometrical ratio, than the means of subsistence, which increases at an arithmetical ratio, and that this will result in an inadequate supply of the goods supporting life unless war, famine, or disease reduces the population or the increase of population is checked.

noun

a follower of Malthus.

Origin of Malthusian

First recorded in 1805–15; Malthus + -ian

OTHER WORDS FROM Malthusian

Mal·thu·sian·ism, noun an·ti-Mal·thu·si·an, adjective, noun an·ti-Mal·thu·si·an·ism, noun non-Mal·thu·si·an, adjective, noun

Example sentences from the Web for malthusianism

British Dictionary definitions for malthusianism

Malthusian
/ (mælˈθjuːzɪən) /

adjective

of or relating to the theory of Malthus stating that increases in population tend to exceed increases in the means of subsistence and that therefore sexual restraint should be exercised

noun

a supporter of this theory

Derived forms of Malthusian

Malthusianism, noun

Cultural definitions for malthusianism

Malthusianism
[ (mal-thooh-zhuh-niz-uhm, mal-thooh-zee-uh-niz-uhm) ]

A pessimistic viewpoint on population and world resources, based on the doctrines of Thomas Malthus. Malthusianism holds that population tends to increase faster than the supply of food, thus preventing the steady progress of mankind. Malthus advocated premarital chastity, late marriage, and sexual abstinence as partial solutions.