washed-out

[ wosht-out, wawsht- ]

adjective

1. faded, especially from washing.
2. Informal.
   1. weary; exhausted.
   2. tired-looking; wan.

washed out

adjective

1. faded or colourless
2. exhausted, esp when being pale in appearance

Word History and Origins

Origin of washed-out¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

The perfect examples are the viral photos from the pop star’s own birthday: washed-out candids of tongues out, cigarette bouquets and sweaty bodies en masse.

From Salon

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

Segments of major highways are closed due to landslides, washed-out roads and collapsed bridges.

From Seattle Times

The floods left a wake of devastation, including landslides, washed-out roads and collapsed bridges across the state.

From Seattle Times

“If you don’t want to get off your high horse to see what we like, then it’s natural that you will be washed-out,” Ms. Li said.

From New York Times