"Desaturated colors" refers to colors that appear less vibrant or intense, usually because they have been mixed with gray or appear closer to shades of gray. It means the colors have become less bright and vivid. Full definition
If you're fair, go for a bright shade like orange; those with medium and dark skin look great in desaturated colors like beige or ivory. (health.com)
The patches of desaturated color on and around her (the water caused them to bleed onto another page) seem to glow. (artnews.com)
Eric Kress» cinematography primarily utilizes the stereotypical desaturated color palette, favoring a cold cast over greys and blues. (sassymamainla.com)