in a bad mood

Idioms  

1. In an irritable or depressed state of mind. For example, Dad's in a bad mood, so don't ask for anything right now. The antonym, in a good mood, refers to a cheerful, well-disposed state of mind, as in When the boss is in a good mood our whole day goes well. The phrase in a mood, meaning “disposed” or “inclined,” dates from about a.d. 1000. Also see in the mood.

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Example Sentences

He said it was instilled in him to cook from the heart because "you can taste the love in the food" and not to "cook in a bad mood – because you'll taste that anger".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

“I know that this thing is really putting me in a bad mood and it’s making me feel fatigue and I should step away from it, but I also can’t.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026

Some of us tend to eat when we're tired or in a bad mood, having learned over time eating provides comfort in these situations.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2024

“It took me years to figure out why Hollan was quiet and in a bad mood on that day,” she says.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2023

I was stressed out and in a bad mood from everything that had happened; and I wished I didn’t feel so alone, that Annie could be there with me.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith

Related Words

• cranky
• dour
• gloomy
• glum
• grouchy
• melancholy
• mournful
• sad
• sullen
• surly
• testy
• ugly