WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
stub•born /ˈstʌbɚn/USA pronunciation
adj.
stub•born•ness, n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- unreasonably unwilling to change;
unyielding:a stubborn refusal. - fixed or set in one's purpose, action, or opinion:He made a stubborn attempt to break the lock.
- difficult to handle, treat, do away with, etc.:a stubborn pain.
stub•born•ness, n. [uncountable]
stub•born
(stub′ərn),USA pronunciation adj.
stub′born•ly, adv.
stub′born•ness, n.
- unreasonably obstinate;
obstinately unmoving:a stubborn child. - fixed or set in purpose or opinion;
resolute:a stubborn opponent of foreign aid. - obstinately maintained, as a course of action:a stubborn resistance.
- difficult to manage or suppress:a stubborn horse; a stubborn pain.
- hard, tough, or stiff, as stone or wood;
difficult to shape or work.
- ?
- Middle English stiborn(e), styborne, stuborn 1350–1400
stub′born•ness, n.
- 1. contrary, intractable, refractory, unyielding, headstrong, obdurate. 2. persevering. Stubborn, dogged, obstinate, persistent imply fixity of purpose or condition and resistance to change. Stubborn and obstinate both imply resistance to advice, entreaty, remonstrance, or force; but stubborn implies more of innate quality and is the more frequently used when referring to inanimate things:stubborn disposition; stubborn difficulties.Dogged implies pertinacity and grimness in doing something, esp. in the face of discouragements:dogged determination.Persistent implies having staying or lasting qualities, resoluteness, and perseverance:persistent questioning.
- 1. tractable. 2. irresolute.
'stubbornness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
anal
- block
- impracticable
- obstinacy
- passive-aggressive personality
- pay
- pertinacity
- self-will