rotten mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rotten mood" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a bad or unpleasant state of mind or emotion. Example: She had been in a rotten mood all day, snapping at her coworkers and avoiding any social interaction.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Mets and Bobby Valentine were already in a rotten mood, after losing two close games and getting no breaks.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Marlins scored seven runs in the top of the first, and when Reyes led off the bottom of the inning, the crowd was already in a rotten mood.

The New York Times - Sports

In a rotten mood, in a rotten voice, I sang along and felt myself pulling away from the darkness in my head.

Huffington Post

I was in a rotten mood, hunched over my desk at LA Weekly on a broiling late September afternoon in 2000, one of those oppressive Hollywood days when the temperature climbs past 100 before lunch and your East Coast friends gloat about cool breezes and spectacular fall foliage.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It was raining cats and dogs, and the mood was rotten.

Huffington Post

For instance, if you were writing about a bad love affair, a title like "Rotten Apple" might get any readers off in the mood you want.

WikiHow

"Stay rotten".

The New York Times - Magazine

Rotten fruit.

The New York Times

"Rotten seeds.

The New York Times

Rotten movie!

The New York Times - Arts

But "Rotten" wasn't rotten.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary emotional state, "rotten mood" is effective. For persistent negativity, consider terms like 'depression' or 'chronic irritability' for greater precision.

Common error

While "rotten mood" is acceptable in general writing, it might be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Opt for more neutral or clinical terms like 'dysphoria' or 'negative affect' in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rotten mood" functions as a descriptive term, using the adjective "rotten" to modify the noun "mood". It illustrates a state of mind or emotional disposition. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rotten mood" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a negative state of mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English, although more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional contexts. It appears primarily in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral level of formality. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, it effectively communicates a sense of unhappiness or irritability, and its usage is well-supported by examples and alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awful mood

Expresses a strong sense of negativity and unpleasantness.

terrible mood

Indicates a very severe or intense negative emotional state.

unpleasant mood

A more general and mild way to describe a bad mood.

sour mood

Suggests a displeased and somewhat bitter emotional state.

irritable mood

Highlights the aspect of being easily annoyed or provoked.

foul temper

Emphasizes a more intense level of anger or bad disposition.

low spirits

Indicates a state of unhappiness or despondency.

bad temper

Focuses more on irritability and anger rather than overall mood.

glum state

Emphasizes a gloomy and depressed condition.

melancholy disposition

Describes a prolonged state of sadness and introspection.

FAQs

What does "rotten mood" mean?

A "rotten mood" signifies a state of unhappiness, irritability, or general negativity. It describes someone feeling unpleasant or out of sorts.

What can I say instead of "rotten mood"?

You can use alternatives like "bad mood", "terrible mood", or "awful mood" depending on the context.

How can I use "rotten mood" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the argument, she was in a "rotten mood" all day", or "The team's loss put the coach in a "rotten mood"".

Is "rotten mood" formal or informal?

"Rotten mood" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, it is recommended using phrases such as "negative affect" or describing the specific emotion (e.g., "irritability", "despondency").