Gaunt-faced

Describing a person whose face is thin and drawn, typically due to illness, starvation, worry, or age, often with prominent bones. The adjective suggests a lack of flesh and a skeletal appearance, conveying a sense of hardship, fragility, or a prolonged state of physical or emotional strain. The term evokes an image of someone whose features have become sharpened and hollowed, highlighting the underlying bone structure of the face. This can create an impression of seriousness, vulnerability, or even a spectral quality depending on the context.

Gaunt-faced meaning with examples

• The survivor of the shipwreck was gaunt-faced and weak after days at sea, his eyes reflecting a harrowing ordeal. He was a shadow of his former self, his skin stretched taut over his cheekbones, a stark reminder of his struggle. His gaunt-faced appearance told a story of resilience and survival against immense odds.
• Haunted by grief, the woman's face became gaunt-faced, her once-plump cheeks sunken and her eyes shadowed. The sorrow had etched deep lines, transforming her expression. Each passing day, her gaunt-faced visage bore witness to the pain of an irreplaceable loss, showing the heavy burden she carried.
• The old hermit, weathered by years spent in isolation, was undeniably gaunt-faced, his skin tanned and leathery. His face, lined with the wisdom of experience, made it clear he had survived challenges. This gaunt-faced man became a testament to the power of solitude and self-sufficiency.
• The impoverished artist, living on meager rations, grew increasingly gaunt-faced as the winter progressed, barely able to create due to hunger. His skeletal appearance painted a picture of deprivation. His struggle was etched on his gaunt-faced features, revealing the harsh reality of his circumstances.