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Sullen

Morose, sulky, and gloomily silent; showing a brooding or sullied mood; can also describe dark, overcast weather or a dull, heavy atmosphere.

adjective

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Imagine This

Picture a rainy afternoon in a high school classroom. A student sits with shoulders hunched, eyes cast down, lips pressed into a thin line. The room feels heavy, and even the clock ticks slowly as a sullen silence settles over everyone.

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Sounds Like

SULL-ən

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Looks Like

Looks like: sulk + en (similar to sulky; conveys a mood of gloom or withdrawal)

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Remember This

Sullen is often used to describe mood or weather. It pairs with phrases like 'a sullen mood' or 'a sullen sky.' It does not imply cheerful hostility; it indicates gloomy, withdrawn, or morose silences or expressions.

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Other Forms

sullenlyadverb

sullennessnoun

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Connect With

morose, sulky, gloomy, dour, moody; brooding

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Note

Common mistake: confusing sullen with solemn or somber. Sullen emphasizes moodiness and withdrawal, not seriousness. Adverb: sullenly; Noun form: sullenness.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The teenager wore a sullen expression after the argument, refusing to speak to anyone.
A sullen sky hung over the town, signaling that rain would soon arrive.

Synonyms

morosesulkygloomydourmoody

Antonyms

cheerfulbrightbuoyantamiable

Etymology

Origin uncertain; entered Middle English with the sense of gloom or dullness, later evolving to describe moodiness and withdrawal.

Mnemonic

SULL-EN: If you sulk (sulk) you become sullen; remember by linking sulkiness to the -en ending