stubborn
adjective/ˈstʌbən/
/ˈstʌbərn/
- (often disapproving) determined not to change your opinion or attitude synonym obstinate
- He was too stubborn to admit that he was wrong.
- She can be as stubborn as a mule (= extremely stubborn).
- stubborn pride
- a stubborn resistance to change
- a stubborn refusal to listen
- She has inherited her mother’s stubborn streak.
Extra ExamplesTopics Opinion and argumentb2, Personal qualitiesb2- He started out with nothing but raw talent and stubborn determination.
- The situation was aggravated by Mr Johnson's stubborn refusal to apologize.
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- [usually before noun] difficult to get rid of or deal with synonym persistent
- a stubborn cough/stain
- a stubborn problem
Word OriginMiddle English (originally in the sense ‘untameable, implacable’): of unknown origin.
Check pronunciation:
stubborn