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Synonyms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

People shared consistent reasons for this: the news put them in a bad mood, they felt overwhelmed and powerless to act.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 16, 2026

The technology has made her work more challenging, Wilkins says: Customers who reach her often had to talk first to bots and are more likely to be in a bad mood.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026

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

It’s really hard to be in a bad mood after you do it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2025

“When he’s in a bad mood, it’s better not to talk to him.”

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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