What does sulkiness mean?
Sulkiness is the state or habit of sulking, meaning that someone is sullen, resentful, and withdrawn from ordinary interaction. The word commonly describes a mood that affects behaviour: a person may stop speaking, refuse to join an activity, or respond to an apology with a prolonged display of displeasure. In British and American English, it is generally neutral in tone, but it often carries the implication that the behaviour is deliberate and attention-seeking, especially when describing children or people in a romantic disagreement. Sulkiness is more specific than simply being sad or angry because it involves withdrawal and a kind of social protest. The related verb is sulk, while the adjective sulky describes a person or mood characterised by this behaviour.
nounThe state or habit of sulking, especially as a display of sullenness or resentment. It refers to withdrawing from others and maintaining a mood of displeasure.
- The state or habit of sulking; sullen withdrawal or the expression of resentment.
"Her sulkiness after the argument lasted through the entire afternoon."
"The team's sulkiness after the defeat was obvious to everyone in the dressing room."
"She answered his apology with sulkiness and refused to discuss the matter."
Usually used as an uncountable noun; the plural form is uncommon.
"The article examines the sulkinesses that developed between the two former teammates."
Sulkiness is a quiet rebellion: the refusal to speak or engage that turns disappointment into a performance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sulkiness come from?
Sulkiness is an English formation made by adding the suffix -ness to the adjective sulky, a word belonging to the family of the verb sulk. These forms belong to a vocabulary concerned with being sullen or resentful, and related older expressions include sullen.
Related word forms
How sulkiness is actually used
Generally neutral, but it often implies behaviour that is deliberate, somewhat immature, or intended to make others feel guilty. It is commonly used to describe children and romantic quarrels, though it can apply to any prolonged display of resentment.
Easily confused with sulkiness
Sulkiness emphasizes the deliberate or habitual act of withdrawing and expressing displeasure, whereas sullenness more broadly describes a gloomy or uncommunicative mood.
Sulkiness focuses on sulking behaviour, while petulance is a broader term for childish or unreasonable irritability.