Faded

Faded is the past participle of fade and an adjective used to describe something that has lost brightness, color, or clarity. In everyday language, it often refers to materials, images, or light that have become less vivid or more pale over time or through exposure to elements such as sunlight, moisture, or wear. Common uses include faded colors in textiles or paints, faded photographs, and faded lighting or contrast in visual media. The term can also apply to less physical phenomena, such as faded memories or a faded reputation, indicating diminished strength or prominence.

In practical terms, fading can result from processes designed to alter appearance or durability. Fabrics may fade from repeated washing or sun exposure, while photographs and prints can lose color or sharpness with age. In photography and film, fading may produce a softer, lower-contrast look that some people seek for aesthetic reasons. Fading can also be intentional, as in fashion and design, where a weathered or vintage look is valued.

Faded is also encountered in cultural contexts as a descriptor in titles, lyrics, and media to convey nostalgia, decline, or wear. In music, the single "Faded" by Alan Walker (2015) popularized the word in contemporary pop culture. Beyond specific works, faded remains a versatile term that captures both physical degradation and metaphorical decline across diverse domains.

See also fade, fading, fadedness, and faded photograph.