# not in the mood

CEFR B1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/not-in-the-mood
Updated: 2026-08-02

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- I am not in the mood for a movie tonight.
- She was not in the mood to argue after working a twelve-hour shift at the hospital.
- The CEO was clearly not in the mood for trivial questions during the emergency press conference regarding the merger.

## Pitfalls

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

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.