Definition

Verb (intransitive): To move in a slow, listless, and aimless manner, typically while appearing unhappy, dejected, or bored.

Usage

This verb describes a specific type of idle movement. It emphasizes a lack of purpose, energy, or direction, and is strongly associated with a low or sullen mood. It is often used to criticize someone's unproductive behavior.

Examples

• After losing the championship game, he just moped around the house for a week.
• Don't just mope around all day; go outside and get some fresh air.
• She was moping around the office, clearly disappointed about the missed promotion.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can imply a passive form of dwelling on one's problems rather than taking action to solve them.
• It is frequently used in the imperative mood as a form of admonishment ("Stop moping around!").

Variants and Related Words

• Mope (verb): The base form, meaning to be dejected and listless. "He's been moping since his pet ran away."
• Moper (noun): A person who mopes. "Don't be such a moper."
• Mopey (adjective): Describing someone who is inclined to mope. "She's been in a mopey mood all afternoon."

Synonyms

• Brood
• Languish
• Loiter
• Putter about
• Mooch (informal)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Mope about: This is a direct synonym for "mope around," used more commonly in British English. "He's been moping about since the rain canceled the picnic."

Related Idioms

• To be at a loose end: To have nothing to do, which can lead to moping around. "With all his friends away, he was at a loose end and spent the day moping around."

Verb

1. move around slowly and aimlessly