What does “gaunt” mean?
- 1
adjectivevery thin and bony, especially from illness, hunger or worry
He looked gaunt after weeks in hospital.
- 2
adjective(of a place or building) bare, empty and unwelcoming
A gaunt old house stood on the hill.
Gaunt at a glance
- Part of speech
- adjective
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /ɡɔnt/ · GAWNT
How to use “gaunt” correctly
Usually describes the face: “a gaunt face”, “gaunt cheeks”. It is never a compliment, unlike “slim”.
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- haggard
- emaciated
- bony
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- plump
- healthy
“gaunt” is on these word lists
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