# surly

/ˈsɝɫi/ (US) · /sˈɜːli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/surly
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

having a bad temper or being unfriendly. You use this to describe someone who is difficult to get along with.

For teachers: having a bad temper or being unfriendly; ill-tempered or sullen. Often used to describe a person's general disposition or a specific mood.

## Examples

- He was very surly when he heard the bad news.
- The surly shopkeeper refused to help the customer even after she asked politely three times.
- Despite his surly exterior, he was actually quite kind to those who earned his trust, though few ever managed to break through his initial coldness.

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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.