# sullen

/ˈsəɫən/ (US) · /sˈʌlən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sullen
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- The sullen child refused to speak to anyone after the game.
- After the argument, the room fell into a sullen silence as everyone avoided looking at each other.
- The sullen atmosphere of the tavern was broken only by the occasional clink of tankards and the low, grumbling complaints of the patrons.

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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.