washed-out

adjective

ˈwȯsht-ˈau̇t 

ˈwäsht-

1

: faded in color

2

: depleted in vigor or animation : exhausted

Synonyms

• dull
• dulled
• faded
• light
• pale
• pastel
• washy

Examples of washed-out in a Sentence

washed-out blond hair

feeling washed-out after the endless primary season, the party's nominee needs a vacation more than anything

Recent Examples on the Web

Lindsay’s nails cause the color of the nail bed to look half white and half red or brown, whereas Terry’s nails cause the nail bed to look mostly white or washed-out, per Cleveland Clinic. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024

This shade leans totally into nude territory without being washed-out. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 July 2024

The picture is bright, though some high-contrast shots of silhouetted objects show slightly muddy or washed-out shadow details; the contours of a lioness against a sunset are slightly indistinct, while trees against a stormy sky are a bit too light. —PCMAG, 30 May 2024

That addition is particularly important considering users have complained in Samsung's user forums and on Reddit about the current vivid setting appearing too washed-out. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

Although colors aren’t reference-monitor accurate, the lifelike hues and sharp edges on words and textures create a high-quality image that doesn’t look artificially saturated or washed-out like on similar portable monitors. —Popular Mechanics, 29 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

washed-out

adjective

ˈwȯsh-ˈtau̇t,

ˈwäsh-

1

: faded in color

2

: empty of life or energy : exhausted