# pinched

/ˈpɪntʃt/ (US) · /pˈɪntʃt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pinched
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

looking thin, tired, or unhealthy, especially in the face. People often look this way when they are very cold, sick, or worried.

For teachers: appearing thin, drawn, or strained, typically as a result of physical distress, cold, or anxiety. Often used to describe facial features that look tight or narrow due to stress.

## Examples

- His face looked pinched after a long night of work.
- The hikers arrived at the cabin with pinched, pale faces after trekking through the freezing wind for hours.
- Her expression remained pinched throughout the interview, betraying a deep-seated anxiety that her composed words attempted to hide from the committee.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'look', 'appear', or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.