haggard
UK: ˈhæɡəd | US: ˈhæɡərd
adj. 1. (of a person) looking exhausted or unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering.
adj. 2. (of a hawk) caught wild as an adult.
The word haggard originated in falconry, describing a hawk caught in the wild rather than raised in captivity—hence "wild-looking." Over time, it generalized to describe humans with a gaunt, weary appearance, metaphorically extending the idea of "untamed" exhaustion. The Germanic root hag (hedge) hints at something "outside cultivated bounds," reinforcing the sense of wildness.
After days without sleep, his face grew haggard and pale.
The haggard expression of the refugees moved the volunteers to act.
She looked haggard from the stress of her demanding job.
The haggard hawk struggled against its restraints.
His haggard appearance betrayed the hardships of his journey.