pallid

adjective

pal·​lid ˈpa-ləd 

1

: deficient in color : wan

a pallid countenance

2

: lacking sparkle or liveliness : dull

a pallid entertainment

The movie is a pallid version of the classic novel.

pallidly adverb

pallidness noun

Synonyms of pallid

• pale
• paled

Examples of pallid in a Sentence

The movie is a pallid version of the classic novel.

a pallid man who looked as though he'd never seen the sun

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, our complexion is looking pallid, our skin is dry, and our overall appearance is just a little blah at the moment. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 2026

And try to summon, from our pallid, hazy situation, vistas of the sort that draw so sweet and pure a gaze. —David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

The first payroll report after the end of the government shutdown painted a pallid picture of the jobs market. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

County plans acknowledged potential harm to pallid bats native to the area and called for installing bat boxes to offer them an alternative habitat. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin pallidus "pale, colorless" — more at pale entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pallid

• ballad
• salad
• valid

Kids Definition

pallid

adjective

pal·​lid ˈpal-əd 

: lacking healthy color : pale

pallidly adverb