English Reference

Word

wan

US/ˈwɑn/

UK/wˈæn/

Definitions

01pale and sickly

C1 · Advanced Literary

adj. looking pale and weak, usually because you are ill or very tired.

adj. suggestive of poor health, fatigue, or unhappiness through a pale or sickly complexion.

“He looked wan and tired after spending three days in the hospital.”

“The patient's wan countenance concerned the physician, suggesting that the recovery was not progressing as swiftly as the initial reports indicated.”

Synonyms

palepallidpasty

02weak or faint

C2 · Proficiency Literary

adj. weak or lacking energy, like a faint light or a sad smile.

adj. lacking brightness, intensity, or vigour; often used to describe light or emotional expressions.

“She gave a wan smile that showed she wasn't really happy.”

“A wan light filtered through the heavy clouds, barely illuminating the desolate landscape that stretched toward the horizon.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“However, their influence waned as the new territories were permanently incorporated into the Roman world.”
Phys.org 3 Sept 2026
“If she never scored another US Hot 100 hit, the broader celebrity she had established in the late 70s and early 80s never waned for the rest of her life.”
The Guardian 25 Aug 2026

Domain

Networking

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference