gaunt

Imagine someone who has gone without enough food for a long time, or has been worn down by illness or hardship. That person might be described as gaunt - extremely thin, with bones showing clearly under the skin. It means more than just being skinny. It suggests that the person has lost weight because of hunger, sickness, stress, or exhaustion. Think of a tired traveler, a sick patient, or a story character who has suffered for months. You would not usually use it for someone who is naturally slim, but it fits someone who has become thin through suffering.

The word often has a sad, serious tone. A gaunt face may have hollow cheeks and sunken eyes. It creates an image of weakness, worry, and long hardship. In stories, writers often use "gaunt" to show the physical effects of struggle on a person.

The word "gaunt" describes a person or animal that is extremely thin and bony, usually because of illness, hunger, exhaustion, or long suffering. It does not simply mean slim or lean. It suggests that the body looks worn down, with sharp bones, hollow cheeks, or sunken eyes. When someone is described as gaunt, the image is often a little severe or troubling.

Most often, "gaunt" is used for people, but it can also describe animals and, more rarely, places or things that look bare, harsh, or grim. A gaunt old dog might look half-starved. A gaunt face might tell the story of months of grief. In some writing, a gaunt house or landscape can suggest emptiness, coldness, or a stripped-down appearance.

"Gaunt" is common in literature because it quickly creates a strong picture. A gaunt prisoner, survivor, or traveler seems marked by what they have endured. The word often brings in feelings of pity, concern, or unease because it points to suffering that can be seen on the body.

It is not usually a positive word. While someone may be called slim, lean, or slender in a neutral or positive way, "gaunt" suggests something much harsher. If you picture a person who looks painfully thin, tired, and marked by hardship, "gaunt" is probably the right word.