Word
sulking
The act or state of being silently resentful or ill-humored, often as a result of annoyance or disappointment.
Meanings
The act or state of being silently bad-tempered or resentful, often as a way of expressing displeasure.
Definition
Sulking describes the state of being silent, bad-tempered, and resentful. It usually happens when someone is annoyed or disappointed and expresses their displeasure by refusing to speak or engage with others. This behavior is often a passive-aggressive way to show displeasure without direct confrontation.
Examples
- After the argument, her sulking went on for hours, making the atmosphere tense.
- His frequent sulking over minor issues often created awkward silence in the room.
- She decided to ignore his sulking, hoping he would eventually snap out of it.
- The team's manager warned against any sulking after the loss, urging them to focus on the next game.
- I find my own sulking to be unproductive, so I try to communicate my feelings instead.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "sulking" with simply being sad; sulking implies an active, often silent, expression of ill-temper or resentment rather than just passive sadness.
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