Haggard

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Haggard

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

HAG-ud  /ˈhæɡəd/

Definition

Looking exhausted, unwell, and drawn, especially from age, worry, or suffering; having a wild, gaunt, or careworn appearance.

Plain meaning

Haggard means looking rough, exhausted, and drawn — the gaunt, hollow-cheeked look of someone who has been through too much and it shows on their face.

Register

Neutral to slightly literary. Haggard is used in everyday description of physical appearance but carries a slightly elevated or literary quality — you would use it in written description more readily than in casual speech. It implies that the exhaustion or suffering is visible, written on the face and body.