The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ANAEMIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
N
A
E
M
I
C
More clues leading to the result ANAEMIC
- Base captured by spies, turning pale
- Weak academic not available for computer-aided design
- Weak US intelligence service maintaining average returns
- American cinema, oddly uninspiring
- Spooks surrounding base after revolution that’s bloodless
- Adult cinema production not gory enough
- Unhealthy American, not right, lacking energy
- Ian came to dance looking pale and sickly
- Revolutionary American runs out looking pale
- Washed out maniac stupidly swallows ecstasy
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "looking pale and sickly" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case looking pale and sickly = anaemic.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ANAEMIC mean?
ANAEMIC noun- An individual who has anemia.
- Of, pertaining to, or suffering from anemia.
- (by extension) Weak; listless; lacking power, vigor, vitality, or colorfulness.