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Word

obstinate

adjective
UK /ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/
US /ˈɑb.stə.nət/

Meanings

adjective

Stubbornly refusing to change one’s mind or course of action.

Visual cue for obstinate — meaning 1
adjective

Difficult to deal with, change, or remove; persistent despite efforts.

Visual cue for obstinate — meaning 2

Definition

Someone who is obstinate refuses to change their mind or behavior even when it would be sensible to do so.

Obstinate describes a person who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion, plans, or actions. They keep resisting advice, rules, or evidence. The word often suggests that this stubbornness creates problems or delays.

Examples

  • He was obstinate about taking the same route, even after the road closed.
  • The obstinate child refused to put on her coat in the cold.
  • My boss can be obstinate when new data contradicts his plan.
  • They argued for an hour, but she stayed obstinate and would not compromise.