rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydrawnStrained appearance
adjective

drawn

DRAWN/drɔːn/

Looking tired, tense, and gaunt.

Her face looks drawn after another restless night with little sleep.

A tired adult after long work sits quietly with strained gaunt face, lowered eyes and tense mouth, plain sweater and cup; respectful natural exhaustion.
Etymology
drawOld Englishto pull, drag
+nEnglishpast participle

Drawn carries the image of something pulled tight and made thin by tension. Applied to a face, that image describes the gaunt, strained appearance associated with fatigue or worry.

More examples

  • He looks pale and drawn as he waits for the results.
  • Weeks of worry have left her features drawn.
  • Despite his cheerful smile, his face is drawn.

Forms

drawn

Similar words

haggard
Emphasizes exhaustion and a worn, often unwell appearance.
gaunt
Emphasizes extreme thinness, without necessarily suggesting tension or fatigue.
strained
Emphasizes visible tension or effort rather than facial thinness.