Bleary-eyed

Describing a state of being, usually in the morning or after a period of sleep deprivation, where the eyes appear unfocused, bloodshot, and often puffy, indicating tiredness or a lack of sleep. It can also suggest the effects of illness or excessive alcohol consumption. The term implies a blurred or hazy visual perception due to fatigue, making it difficult to see clearly. The overall impression is one of being sluggish, lethargic, and not fully alert, making the individual appear less than fully present or engaged with their surroundings. It paints a picture of someone struggling to keep their eyes open and their mind sharp.

Bleary-eyed meaning with examples

• Waking up after only a few hours of sleep, Sarah stumbled into the kitchen, bleary-eyed and searching for her coffee. The bright sunlight streaming through the window seemed to amplify her fatigue, making it even harder to focus. Her vision blurred momentarily as she reached for the coffee pot, a clear sign of the restless night she had endured.
• The detective, after spending all night on the case, was bleary-eyed as he interviewed the suspect. His eyelids felt heavy, and he blinked repeatedly, trying to stay alert. The lack of sleep had begun to affect his ability to think clearly, adding another layer of difficulty to the already complex investigation.
• After a long, sleepless night, the bleary-eyed students dragged themselves into class, finding it hard to concentrate. Their eyelids constantly drooped, and they struggled to stay awake. The teacher noticed the evident fatigue, sensing the adverse impact it was having on the students ability to absorb information.
• After a long international flight, the travelers arrived bleary-eyed at their destination. They stepped out of the airport disoriented and were barely able to hold their luggage. The accumulated travel exhaustion, the time change, and the lack of sleep left them yearning for rest.