adj
Uncommon
wan
won
Wan (adj) means Pale and looking unwell or tired. Example: “She looked wan and exhausted after the long flight.”
adj
1
Pale and looking unwell or tired.
"She looked wan and exhausted after the long flight."
"His wan complexion worried the nurse."
"The patient looked wan and silent after a sleepless night in the ward."
2
Faint or weak, as of light or a smile.
"He managed a wan smile despite the bad news."
"A wan winter sun hung low behind the clouds."
"The wan light of the lantern barely reached the end of the corridor."
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.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- wanner
- Superlative
- wannest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Related words
Rhymes for wan
See all rhymes for wan →Frequently asked questions
What does “wan” mean?
The word “wan” means pale and looking unwell or tired. In plain terms, looking pale, tired, or drained — used for faces, smiles, or light.
How do you pronounce “wan”?
“Wan” is pronounced won (/wɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “wan” in a sentence?
Here is “wan” used in a sentence: “She looked wan and exhausted after the long flight.”
What part of speech is “wan”?
“Wan” is an adjective.
Where does the word “wan” come from?
The word “wan” comes from Old English. From Old English wann, meaning "dark" or "dusky" — the sense shifted over time from darkness to the pale, drained look of illness.
Is “wan” a common word?
“Wan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wan” have?
“Wan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: pale and looking unwell or tired.
What is the difference between wan and pale?
Wan specifically suggests looking unwell or tired, often carrying a sense of sickliness, while pale simply describes a lighter-than-usual skin tone that may or may not indicate illness. Someone can be pale from lack of sun without looking wan, but wan almost always implies looking drained or unwell.
Is wan a common or literary word?
Wan is more commonly found in literary or descriptive writing than in everyday conversation, where words like pale or tired are more typical. It tends to appear in fiction and poetry to add a slightly formal, evocative tone.
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