adj
wan
won
adj
1
Pale and looking unwell or tired.
"She looked wan and exhausted after the long flight."
"His wan complexion worried the nurse."
2
Faint or weak, as of light or a smile.
"He managed a wan smile despite the bad news."
How to Use Wan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLooking pale, tired, or drained — used for faces, smiles, or light.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "wane" (to gradually decrease) — they're related in origin but "wan" describes appearance, "wane" describes a process of shrinking.
Word Forms
wanner comparative, Wans plural, wannest superlative
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She looked _____ and exhausted after the long flight.
Etymology
From Old English wann, meaning "dark" or "dusky" — the sense shifted over time from darkness to the pale, drained look of illness.