What does sulked mean?
“Sulked” is the past-tense form of “sulk,” meaning to express unhappiness or resentment by becoming silent, withdrawn, and unwilling to engage with others. It commonly describes someone who responds to disappointment, conflict, or rejection by remaining moody and avoiding communication. The word suggests behaviour as well as a feeling, so it can imply a degree of intentionality: a person who sulks is not merely sad but is visibly brooding or acting resentful. In everyday English, “sulked” often carries a mildly critical or impatient tone, especially when used about children or partners. It is used in both British and American English, though the description of sulking as childish or attention-seeking can reflect a particular social perspective rather than a regional difference.
verb (past tense)To sulk is to be silently bad-tempered or resentful, especially by withdrawing from others. “Sulked” is the past tense of this verb.
- To behave silently and resentfully, typically by refusing to take part in conversation or normal activity.
"After losing the final point, she sulked for the rest of the evening."
"He sulked after the argument and did not speak to anyone."
"The toddler sulked in the corner until she was given a different toy."
A sulk turns private unhappiness into a visible performance of resentment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sulked come from?
The exact origin of the verb is uncertain. The related adjective “sulky” and the noun “sulkiness” developed from the same English vocabulary family, while the word’s early history is difficult to trace securely. The modern sense has long been associated with sullen withdrawal and resentful silence.
Related word forms
How sulked is actually used
The word often implies a deliberate, prolonged display of resentment rather than ordinary sadness. It can sound mildly critical when describing another person's behaviour.
Easily confused with sulked
“Sulky” is an adjective describing a person who is withdrawn or ill-tempered, while “sulked” is the past-tense verb describing that behaviour.