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

Young people in particular have soured on the technology over the last year, a development that may at least partially be explained by a pallid entry-level job market. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

This mordant melange takes off from the opening sequence, when Niaz finds himself at a casting call for an indie directed by Aza (Elene Mausuradze), an androgynous female director with the pallid look of a Tim Burton extra. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

At 24 weeks, Mahato was worried by Kabita’s pallid complexion and again recommended a blood test. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Their bulging eyes stare back at the Queen’s Consort, empty in pallid faces. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

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