Stubborn - Wikipedia-style Article

Stubborn

Definition

Stubborn describes someone or something that is unyielding or difficult to move, change, or persuade; often used for people who refuse to change their opinions or behavior despite reason or argument.

Parts of Speech

Adjective
Noun (rare, as “a stubborn” meaning a stubborn person)

Pronunciation

American English

IPA: /ˈstʌbərn/
Respelling: STUB-urn

British English

IPA: /ˈstʌb.ən/
Respelling: STUB-uhn

Etymology

Mid 16th century: from stub “stump” + -born “born,” originally describing a tree that sprouts stubbornly from a stump; by 1590s, applied figuratively to people’s unyielding nature.

Derivatives

stubbornly (adverb)
stubbornness (noun)
stubborn-hearted (adjective, archaic)

Synonyms

obstinate
headstrong
inflexible
unyielding
persistent

Antonyms

flexible
compliant
yielding
accommodating

Usage

The adjective "stubborn" is used to describe people, animals, or things that resist change or persuasion. For example, "He was so stubborn that he refused to admit his mistake," or "The stubborn stain wouldn’t come out despite repeated scrubbing."

Related Terms

Obstinate: Refusing to change one’s opinion despite attempts to persuade.
Headstrong: Determined to have one’s own way; willful.
Intransigent: Unwilling to change one’s views or agree about something.
Stalwart: Loyal, reliable, and hardworking but also unyielding.
Mulish: Unreasonably obstinate or stubborn like a mule.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

Unwilling to change one’s attitude or position – refusing to be swayed by persuasion, argument, or reason.
- Example: "Despite mounting evidence, she remained stubborn in her belief."
Persistent in maintaining a purpose or course – refusing to give up or compromise.
- Example: "The team’s stubborn defense held the opponents scoreless."
Difficult to handle or remove – used for objects or substances that resist change or effort.
- Example: "The stubborn grease wouldn’t come off the pan."