peaky

Pale and sickly

Peaky means looking pale, sickly, or unwell—as if one's face has grown thin and pointed.

The word is chiefly British: You're looking a bit peaky—are you feeling all right?

It suggests mild illness or fatigue rather than serious sickness.

The related sense of having peaks or being pointed is rare outside technical contexts.

gaunt

haggard

Exhausted in appearance

drawnRendered in lines
wornDamaged by use
tiredLacking energy, needing rest

weary · exhausted · fatigued · drained · careworn · pinched · sunken · pale · wan · sallow

unwell

sickly

Prone to poor health

queasyMildly sick to stomach
nauseousFeeling urge to vomit
feverishHaving elevated temperature

ailing · unwell · ill · off-colour · poorly · under the weather · wan · pallid · ashen · pasty

pointed

sharp

Fine-edged, or astute

angularSharp-edged or rawboned
pointedTapering to a tip
prominentEasily noticed or distinguished

jutting · protruding · bony · chiselled · thin · narrow

Categories

pallorpale, pallid, wan, ashen, pasty
surf conditionswaves, swell, barrels, tubes, offshore
sicknesssick, ill, unwell, ailing, diseased

Opposites

appearance and complexion

peakyrosy

Pinkly warm or hopeful

ruddy · glowing · radiant · blooming · flush

health/wellness

In good physical condition

well · robust · hale · hearty · fit

Phrases

stiff peakBeaten whites that stand
mountain peakTopmost point of elevation
widow's peakV-shaped frontal hairline
peak seasonBusiest commercial period
peak performanceHighest level of functioning
peak hoursBusiest usage times

Family

peak, peaked, peaking, mountain peak

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G