stubborn

[stuhb-ern] / ˈstʌb ərn /

ADJECTIVE

obstinate, unyielding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adamant determined dogged headstrong inflexible intractable ornery persistent perverse relentless rigid single-minded steadfast tenacious tough unshakable willful

WEAK

balky bloody-minded bullheaded cantankerous contumacious cussed firm fixed hang-tough hardheaded inexorable insubordinate mulish obdurate opinionated persevering pertinacious pigheaded rebellious recalcitrant refractory self-willed set in one's ways stiff-necked unbending unmanageable unreasonable untoward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

flexible irresolute kind nice pliable pliant reasonable soft submissive surrendering weak willing yielding

WEAK

broad-minded complacent compliant giving

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Against more stubborn defences, Doku has shown an ability to cut inside and away from goal, increasing the distance from nearby defenders, before striking the ball into the far corner.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Retail footfall in the U.K. saw a double-digit percentage decline in April as stubborn inflation stifled spending, according to a prominent industry group.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Firefighters filled it with foam and water to extinguish the stubborn flames.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

“Solid growth and no sign of fracture in the labor market left stubborn inflation as the morning’s economic headline,” says Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Sometimes they didn’t want to get up—they’re so stubborn.

From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola

Vocabulary lists containing stubborn

The Cay

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Twelve Angry Men

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"What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?" Vocabulary from the short story

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