ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sullen

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈsəɫən// UK //sˈʌlən// sullen Archaic

adj. unhappy and quiet in a way that shows you are angry or upset. You use this to describe someone who is not talking and seems to be in a bad mood.

adj. characterised by a gloomy, silent, or resentful mood. Often describes a person who is sulking or a situation that feels oppressive and quiet.


SIMPLE

The sullen child refused to speak to anyone after the game.

CONTEXTUAL

After the argument, the room fell into a sullen silence as everyone avoided looking at each other.

COMPLEX

The sullen atmosphere of the tavern was broken only by the occasional clink of tankards and the low, grumbling complaints of the patrons.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English soleyn, from Anglo-Norman soleyn (“alone”), from Old French sole (“single, sole, alone”), from Latin sōlus (“by oneself alone”). The change in meaning from "single" to morose occurred in Middle English.

© 2026 English Reference