Definition

Having a sickly, yellowish or pale complexion, often indicating poor health or lack of vitality.

Example

After being ill for a week, her face looked sallowest compared to her usual rosy cheeks.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you noticed how sallowest his skin looks lately?

Yeah, it seems like he’s been really tired or stressed out.

I wonder if he’s been eating enough fruits and vegetables.

That could be it; a good diet might help him look healthier.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sallowest → It is formed from "sallow" (from Old English *salwe*, meaning pale or yellowish) and the superlative suffix "-est" (meaning most). The word "sallowest" means having the most pale or yellowish complexion.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for pale or yellowish — that's what sallow means, and adding '-est' indicates the most pale or yellowish.

Visually Confused Words