What does "faded" mean?

1. (lost colour) having lost its original bright colour or brightness over time. 2. (lost strength) weaker or less clear than it used to be. 3. (intoxicated) feeling very high on drugs or very drunk.

faded

adj.

US //ˈfeɪdəd// UK //fˈeɪdɪd// fad·ed

1 lost colour (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

having lost its original bright colour or brightness over time.

having lost vividness, brightness, or saturation, typically due to age or exposure to light.

Example

The old curtains were faded after hanging in the sunny window for years.

Example

The photograph was so faded that the faces of her ancestors were barely more than ghostly outlines against the yellowed paper.
- pale
- washed out
- bleached
2 lost strength (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

weaker or less clear than it used to be.

having lost original strength, vigour, or clarity; often used figuratively for memories or reputations.

Example

He still had a faded scar on his knee from a childhood accident.

Example

The faded glory of the once-grand hotel was evident in the peeling wallpaper and the dusty chandeliers of the ballroom.
- diminished
- weakened
- strong
- clear

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3 intoxicated (adj.)
C1 Advanced Slang American English Informal

feeling very high on drugs or very drunk.

experiencing a state of significant intoxication from drugs or alcohol. This sense is highly informal and common in youth culture.

Example

They stayed up late and got faded at the party.

Example

By the time the sun came up, half the guests were completely faded and asleep on the living room floor.

Teacher's tip

This sense is very common in modern hip-hop and pop culture; however, it is inappropriate for professional or academic settings.
- sober