wan

adjective, wan·ner, wan·nest.

1. of an unnatural or sickly pallor; pallid; lacking color: His wan face suddenly flushed.
2. showing or suggesting ill health, fatigue, unhappiness, etc.: a wan look; a wan smile.
3. lacking in forcefulness, competence, or effectiveness: their wan attempts to organize the alumni.
4. Archaic.
   1. dark or gloomy.
   2. pale in color or hue.