Sulkily

Sulkily describes a manner characterized by resentment, gloom, or a sullen silence, typically displayed when feeling displeased, offended, or resentful. It implies a deliberate withdrawal, often without overt expression of anger, but conveying a clear impression of dissatisfaction. The behavior often includes a pout, a downcast gaze, or a reluctance to engage in conversation or activity. sulkily suggests a passive-aggressive way of showing unhappiness, and the person in the situation can sometimes appear childish, withdrawn and grumpy. It can also imply feelings of self-pity and frustration about things that are occurring around them.

Sulkily meaning with examples

• After being told he couldn't have any more ice cream, the child sat sulkily in the corner, refusing to speak or make eye contact. His lower lip quivered, and he kept glancing at the remaining ice cream. His mother eventually said he was acting like a spoiled brat, but continued to ignore him, hoping that the behavior would eventually cease.
• During the family gathering, John sat sulkily at the table, barely touching his food and avoiding any interactions with his relatives after his suggestion for a family outing was rejected. He mumbled answers when spoken to, offering only short, abrupt replies, giving an air of negativity and making his family members feel uncomfortable.
• The employee, after being passed over for a promotion, retreated to his desk, working sulkily and avoiding any unnecessary interactions with his supervisor. He answered calls with terse responses and declined to participate in team meetings, creating a negative and uncooperative atmosphere in the office, displaying his discontent.
• The teenager, grounded for staying out past curfew, retreated to her room and slammed the door, spending the remainder of the evening sulkily listening to music with her headphones on and refusing to come downstairs for dinner. The silence from her room communicated her displeasure much more effectively than a tantrum would have.