haggard

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "haggard" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is mainly used to describe someone who appears worn-out and exhausted. For example, "After a long day of work, she looked haggard and drained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'm a shell of my former self, sallow and haggard and coasting entirely on a wave of artificial food additives.

The Guardian

He wore a haggard and mournful look except when he was drinking or playing on his flute.

The Guardian - Books

He was the sole defendant to appear well-groomed, with the others in the dock looking haggard, and with scruffy beards.

The Guardian

Senussi, haggard and emaciated in blue prison garb, appeared with other defendants in a steel cage and complained that Libya had broken a promise to the Hague to find him a lawyer.

The Guardian

Ukraine's haggard president, Petro Poroshenko, warned of a "full-scale invasion" by Russia during his yearly address to parliament on June 4th: "We must be truly ready for this".Wednesday's clashes began before dawn near the villages of Marinka and Krasnohorivka, along the border between separatist and government territory in eastern Ukraine.

The Economist

And why do people experiencing high levels of stress appear so haggard and aged?

The Economist

The haggard look of the chronically stressed immediately makes sense.At this point there is one question that many people (not to mention cosmetics companies) will be thinking: can the effects of stress be reversed?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A FORTNIGHT ago Ted Haggard was one of the religious right's brightest stars.

The Economist

The subject is the religious right: the paper pronounces the movement "down but not out", despite the Ted Haggard scandal and a dreadful night at the polls.

The Economist

Ted Haggard and Jimmy Swaggart, prominent American televangelists who preached piety in public and used prostitutes in private, were hardly pioneers here.

The Economist

"The environment is a values issue," says the Reverend Ted Haggard, president of the 30m-strong National Association of Evangelicals, which in 2004 sent a message to its 50,000 churches affirming that "God-given dominion is a sacred responsibility to steward the earth and not a licence to abuse the creation of which we are a part".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "haggard" to vividly portray characters or situations that have undergone significant stress or hardship. It is particularly effective in descriptive writing to convey a sense of weariness and exhaustion.

Common error

Avoid using "haggard" interchangeably with simply "tired". "Haggard" suggests a deeper level of exhaustion and wear, often associated with prolonged stress or illness, rather than just a lack of sleep.

Linguistic Context

The word "haggard" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe the appearance of a person, indicating they look exhausted, worried, or in poor condition. Ludwig examples often show its use in describing someone's face or overall appearance after a stressful experience. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "haggard" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective to describe someone who appears exhausted, worried, or in poor condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedia articles, and scientific texts, "haggard" effectively conveys a sense of physical and emotional depletion. When writing, remember that "haggard" suggests a more profound level of weariness than simply "tired". Consider alternatives like "worn out", "exhausted", or "drawn" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to express. By understanding its appropriate usage and communicative purpose, you can enhance your writing and evoke a stronger sense of empathy and understanding in your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worn out

Focuses on the depletion of energy and resources.

exhausted

Emphasizes the lack of energy and vitality.

drawn

Highlights the physical appearance of being strained or stressed.

gaunt

Specifically refers to a thin and bony appearance, often due to suffering.

careworn

Indicates that someone looks tired and anxious because of worries.

raddled

Suggests a state of being worn down by a dissolute or exhausting life.

wasted

Implies a loss of physical health and strength.

feeble

Emphasizes weakness and a lack of physical strength.

decrepit

Refers to being weakened by old age or illness.

worn down

Highlights the gradual erosion of someone's health and vitality.

FAQs

How to use "haggard" in a sentence?

You can use "haggard" to describe someone's appearance after a period of stress or exhaustion. For example, "After the ordeal, she looked "haggard" and pale."

What can I say instead of "haggard"?

You can use alternatives like "worn out", "exhausted", or "drawn" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "haggard" or "tired"?

"Haggard" and "tired" are both correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Tired" simply means in need of rest, while "haggard" suggests a more severe state of exhaustion and wear, often due to stress or illness.

What's the difference between "haggard" and "gaunt"?

"Haggard" describes a general appearance of exhaustion and wear, while "gaunt" specifically refers to a thin and bony appearance, often due to illness or starvation. Someone who is "gaunt" might also look haggard, but the terms are not perfectly interchangeable.