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Sullenness: meaning, definitions and examples

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sullenness

 

[ ˈsʌlənnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

moodiness

Sullenness is the quality of being silent and morose, showing a bad-tempered and sulky attitude. It is characterized by a gloomy or dismal disposition.

Synonyms

gloominess, moodiness, moroseness

Examples of usage

  • He retreated into sullenness after the argument.
  • Her sullenness was evident in her lack of response.
  • The sullenness in his expression made it clear he was upset.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

Sullenness can also refer to a behavior marked by a refusal to communicate or cooperate, often in a stubborn or resentful manner.

Synonyms

resentfulness, stubbornness, uncooperativeness

Examples of usage

  • Her sullenness towards her colleagues was causing tension in the workplace.
  • The child's sullenness was a result of feeling misunderstood.
  • His sullenness only served to isolate him further from his friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "sullenness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melancolia

🇮🇳 उदासी

🇩🇪 Missmut

🇮🇩 keburaman

🇺🇦 похмурість

🇵🇱 ponurość

🇯🇵 陰気

🇫🇷 morosité

🇪🇸 melancolía

🇹🇷 somurtkanlık

🇰🇷 우울함

🇸🇦 كآبة

🇨🇿 mrzutost

🇸🇰 mrzutosť

🇨🇳 忧郁

🇸🇮 mrakobnost

🇮🇸 þunglyndi

🇰🇿 сұрғылттық

🇬🇪 მომხიბლავობა

🇦🇿 qəmginlik

🇲🇽 melancolía

Etymology

The word 'sullenness' dates back to the 17th century and is derived from the Middle English word 'solein', meaning solitary, gloomy, or morose. It reflects a sense of brooding silence and ill humor. Sullenness is often associated with a lack of cheerfulness or sociability, portraying a sense of discontent or unhappiness.

See also: sullenly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,975 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.