Surly: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone is unfriendly and has a rude attitude, often in a way that seems uncaring or bad-tempered.

• The surly waiter almost spoiled our evening with his negative attitude
• She gave a surly response when asked about her day

Suitable for when someone is easily annoyed or complaining, often used in a lighter, sometimes affectionate way.

• Don't mind him, he's just a little grumpy in the mornings
• The grumpy old man complained about the children making noise

Use to describe someone who is quietly resentful or gloomy, often after being offended or annoyed. It typically has a more serious tone.

• After the argument, she sat in the corner, sullen and unresponsive
• His sullen demeanor made it clear that he was upset

Best used for describing someone whose mood changes frequently and unexpectedly, often without a clear reason.

• Lately, she's been very moody and hard to predict
• He's a moody teenager, happy one moment and upset the next

Appropriate for describing someone who is irritable or in a bad mood, typically because they are tired or uncomfortable.

• He gets grouchy when he doesn't get enough sleep
• The long flights often leave her feeling grouchy

This word is best used to describe a person's behavior or attitude when they are unfriendly, rude, or bad-tempered. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The surly waiter slammed our drinks onto the table without saying a word.
• After losing the game, he became surly and refused to talk to anyone.

This word is commonly used when describing environments or moods that are dark, sad, or filled with despair. It can describe both physical darkness and emotional heaviness.

• The room felt gloomy with its dim light and overcast sky outside.
• He felt gloomy after hearing the bad news.

This word is appropriate for describing situations, places, or events that are dull, bleak, and lifeless, often causing feelings of boredom or depression.

• The office was a dreary place with its gray walls and harsh lighting.
• She found the lecture so dreary that she could hardly stay awake.

This word is often used to describe a person's silent resentment or a gloomy, sulky mood. It has a negative connotation and suggests an underlying anger or bitterness.

• She was sullen all evening after the argument with her friend.
• The sullen teenager glared at his parents without saying a word.

This word fits situations or conditions that are depressing, gloomy, or cheerless. It can describe both physical surroundings and emotional states.

• The weather was dismal, with rain pouring down and dark clouds overhead.
• His performance in the exam was dismal, scoring much lower than he expected.