What does sulkiest mean?
Sulkiest is the superlative form of the adjective sulky. It describes the person who is the most sullen, moody, resentful, or unwilling to communicate among a group. The word is especially common in descriptions of children, friends, teammates, and partners who withdraw after a disagreement, lose a game, or receive disappointing news. Its tone ranges from affectionate and humorous, as when a parent calls a child “the sulkiest person in the house,” to gently critical, suggesting an excessive display of resentment. In formal writing, sulkiest may be preferred when describing a conspicuous or prolonged attitude, while moods or expressions are more often called the most sullen or moody. Although its everyday meaning concerns visible displeasure, it does not necessarily imply deep anger. More commonly, it suggests a temporary withdrawal caused by hurt, annoyance, or sulking.
adjectiveThe superlative of sulky: more sulky than any other person or thing.
- Most sulky; sullen or resentful to the greatest degree.
"He may be the sulkiest person at the party, but he is not the angriest."
"She was the sulkiest member of the group and refused to explain why."
"After losing the final point, he became the sulkiest player on the court."
When silence becomes strategic, the sulkiest can command the whole room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sulkiest
Sulkiest is formed by adding the superlative suffix -est to sulky. The adjective sulky was formed in English from sulk with the adjectival suffix -y; the deeper origin of sulk itself is uncertain. The same root also underlies sulkiness and the adverb sulkily.
How sulkiest is actually used
Used comparatively when describing the person or thing displaying the greatest degree of sullenness, moodiness, or resentment. The superlative often appears informally in conversational and narrative contexts.
Easily confused with sulkiest
Sulky is the base adjective, while sulkiest is its superlative and indicates the highest degree of sullenness or moodiness.