sallowish

Slightly unhealthy complexion

Somewhat sallow—having a slightly yellowish or unhealthy complexion.

The suffix softens the judgment: Her skin looked sallowish after the long winter, He had that sallowish pallor of someone who spent too much time indoors.

The word hedges where *sallow* commits.

complexion

pallid

Unhealthily lacking color

  • wanPale and unwell-looking
  • sicklyProne to poor health
  • pastyUnhealthily pale

ashen · peaky · gaunt · haggard · drawn · waxen · unhealthy · peaked · jaundiced · anemic

yellow-tinge

yellowish

Tending toward gold

ochre · jaundiced · bilious · buff · khaki · straw-colored · fawn · biscuit · dun · parchment

dull

lackluster

Lacking brilliance or vitality

  • matteNon-reflective surface finish
  • flatLacking vertical variation
  • drabDull and cheerless

lifeless · faded · washed-out · dingy · muddy · murky · colorless · tarnished · ashy · leaden

Opposites
complexion/skin color

sallowishrosy

Pinkly warm or hopeful

ruddy · florid · flush · blooming · glowing

Family

sallowing

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G