Understanding 'Pallid' in Context

During the science fair, Maria's project was remarkable; it was influenced by both her creativity and her extensive research. However, when she displayed her results, they were pallid compared to the vibrant enthusiasm of the other students' presentations. Maria felt disheartened, but she chose to remain optimistic, acknowledging that her effort was just as significant. In this context, what does the word 'pallid' most closely mean?