noun the quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered
The character's petulance was evident in their constant whining and complaining.
The child's petulance escalated as they were denied a second helping of dessert.
The therapist noted the client's petulance as a sign of underlying issues with emotional regulation.
Her petulance often caused tension in their relationship, as she would sulk for hours over minor disagreements.
The coworker's petulance made it difficult to collaborate effectively on the project.
In literature, a character may be described as having a petulant attitude towards authority figures or rules.
A psychologist may encounter petulance in children or adolescents as a behavior that stems from frustration or a lack of emotional regulation.
A teacher may address petulance in students as a form of defiance or resistance to following instructions or completing tasks.
A manager may need to address petulance in employees who display uncooperative or sulky behavior in the workplace.