wan
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˈwɑn// UK //wˈæn// wan
adj. looking pale, weak, or tired. You use this to describe someone who looks like they are not feeling well or have no energy.
adj. suggestive of physical fatigue, illness, or emotional distress; lacking in forcefulness or intensity. Often used to describe a person's complexion or a weak quality of light.
She gave a wan smile before closing her eyes to rest.
After spending all night studying in the library, he emerged into the wan light of dawn looking exhausted.
The patient's wan appearance concerned the doctors, as his skin had taken on a greyish hue that suggested a lack of proper circulation.
Usage
Typically used before a noun to describe faces, smiles, or light; less commonly used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb.