subdued

American  

[suhb-dood, -dyood] / səbˈdud, -ˈdyud /

adjective

1. quiet; inhibited; repressed; controlled.

   After the argument he was much more subdued.

2. lowered in intensity or strength; reduced in fullness of tone, as a color or voice; muted.

   subdued light; wallpaper in subdued greens.

3. (of land) not marked by any striking features, as mountains or cliffs.

   a subdued landscape.

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subdued British  

/ səbˈdjuːd /

adjective

1. cowed, passive, or shy

2. gentle or quiet

   a subdued whisper

3. (of colours, etc) not harsh or bright

   subdued lighting

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Other Word Forms

• half-subdued adjective
• self-subdued adjective
• subduedly adverb
• subduedness noun
• unsubdued adjective

Etymology

Origin of subdued

First recorded in 1595–1605; subdue + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“Combined with subdued inflation and Fed rate cuts, purchasing power strengthens, setting up retail demand improvement ahead,” Jefferies analysts said in a note last month.

From MarketWatch

“Unless fundamentals point to a material demand revival in 2026, price action is likely to stay subdued,” the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Inflation pressures are expected to have remained subdued at the end of 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal

A crowd of 18,602 at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center had been subdued earlier in the fourth quarter when Wembanyama hobbled off the court following an awkward landing from a rebound.

From Barron's

With private investment subdued, SOEs have taken the lead on capital expenditure in energy, transport, utilities, and advanced manufacturing.

From Barron's

Related Words

• hushed
• low-key
• mellow
• muted
• restrained
• sober
• solemn
• unobtrusive