ENGLISH
REFERENCE

not in the mood

fixed phrase.
B1 Intermediate General-service Informal
Definition

fixed phrase. you use this when you do not want to do something because you are feeling tired, annoyed, or unhappy.

fixed phrase. a fixed idiomatic construction expressing a lack of inclination or desire to participate in a specific activity. It functions as a predicative adjective phrase, typically following the verb 'to be'.


SIMPLE

I am not in the mood for a movie tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

She was not in the mood to argue after working a twelve-hour shift at the hospital.

COMPLEX

The CEO was clearly not in the mood for trivial questions during the emergency press conference regarding the merger.

Usage

usually followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun, or 'to' plus an infinitive verb.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'don't feel like'; 'not in the mood' often implies a temporary emotional state rather than a general dislike.

Pitfall

I am not in mood for pizza.I am not in the mood for pizza.the definite article 'the' is a mandatory part of this fixed phrase.

Last updated August 2, 2026