washed-out

American  

[wosht-out, wawsht-] / ˈwɒʃtˈaʊt, ˈwɔʃt- /

adjective

1. faded, especially from washing.

2. Informal.

   1. weary; exhausted.

   2. tired-looking; wan.

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washed out British  

adjective

1. faded or colourless

2. exhausted, esp when being pale in appearance

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washed out Idioms  

1. Faded in color; also, lacking animation. For example, This carpet is all washed out from the sun, or He looks all washed out. [Late 1700s; early 1800s] Also see wash out, def. 3.

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Etymology

Origin of washed-out

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Lena Dunham have posted wistful, washed-out pictures celebrating the decennial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

It’s funny how just the grainy, washed-out look of videotape can conjure so much melancholy.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2025

They were given the chance of redemption at the T20 World Cup, only to be put on the brink of elimination by a washed-out match against Scotland and a heavy defeat by Australia.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2024

He said his agency had been working round the clock to repair washed-out roads that had left some residents stranded.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2024

I worked from seven in the morning until noon, and I was limp, washed-out.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright