adjective

peaked

PEE-kid/piːkt/

Looking pale or unwell.

You look a little peaked; do you need to rest?

A pale drawn white adult recovering in bed, tired hollow cheeks and blanket, respectful non-dramatic illness.

Etymology

Peaked describes someone as having wasted away, from an older verb meaning to look sickly or thin. That verb may evoke becoming pointed through emaciation, but its connection with a pointed peak is uncertain.

In context

Old Time Radio Researchers17:18

you look a little peaked this morning you shouldn't have stayed up so late last night

The Harold Peary Show - Harold Falls for a Chanteuse

More examples

After three days with the flu, he still looks peaked.
She looks pale and peaked after another sleepless night.
I'm feeling better, even if I look a bit peaked.

Forms

peaked

Similar words

pale: Emphasizes lack of color, which need not indicate illness.
drawn: Describes a strained, thin-looking face from fatigue or worry.
sickly: Can suggest ongoing poor health rather than a temporary appearance.