sullen

Vocabulary Word

Definition

The term 'sullen' means showing a brooding ill humor or silent resentment: moodily silent. It's that state when you're upset and unresponsive, which can be seen in your behavior or facial expressions.

Examples in Different Contexts

In team dynamics, addressing 'sullen' behavior is crucial. A team leader might observe, 'After the meeting, James had a sullen expression. I'll check in with him to ensure everything's okay.'

Practice Scenarios

Business

Scenario:

Our profitability has taken a hit this quarter. It's likely to impact employee morale.

Response:

An engagement survey might help us understand why our staff has been so sullen recently.

Tech

Scenario:

The application's launch has been pushed back. I understand this may cause some disappointment among the team.

Response:

You're right. The constant delays have left our team feeling quite sullen.