D
Dicread
HomeDictionarySstubborn

stubborn

Refusing to change one's mind or course of action despite arguments to the contrary. / Difficult to move, remove, or cure.
Adjective
comp: more stubbornsup: most stubborn

This word carries a heavy weight of resistance. When applied to people, it often suggests a willful refusal to compromise, leaning toward a negative connotation of being unreasonable or pig-headed. However, in specific contexts like pursuing a difficult goal, it can be framed as a form of grit or tenacity.

When applied to objects or conditions, the word evokes a sense of frustration. It describes something that defies effort, such as a rusted bolt or a persistent cough, implying that the object is actively fighting against the attempt to fix or change it.

Meanings

Adjective

Refusing to change one's mind or course of action despite arguments to the contrary.

He was too stubborn to admit he was wrong.

Examples

He is very stubborn.

The stain is stubborn.

Don't be so stubborn.

She was too stubborn to ask for help.

My dog is stubborn and won't sit.

The student remained stubborn despite the teacher's warnings.

School Life

A stubborn cough can often linger for weeks.

Health

He is too stubborn to admit his mistake.

Romance

The CEO's stubborn refusal to pivot led to failure.

Business

Historians note the king's stubborn adherence to old laws.

History
Apology

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error