stubborn

UK: /ˈstʌbə^rn/ US: /ˈstʌbɚn/ ,(stub′ərn)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

stub•born /ˈstʌbɚn/   adj. 

1. unreasonably unwilling to change;
   unyielding:
   a stubborn refusal.
2. fixed or set in one's purpose, action, or opinion:
   He made a stubborn attempt to break the lock.
3. difficult to handle, treat, do away with, etc.:
   a stubborn pain.

stub•born•ly, adv.: 

The army stubbornly resisted and refused to surrender.

stub•born•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

stub•born  (stub′ərn), adj. 

1. unreasonably obstinate;
   obstinately unmoving:
   a stubborn child.
2. fixed or set in purpose or opinion;
   resolute:
   a stubborn opponent of foreign aid.
3. obstinately maintained, as a course of action:
   a stubborn resistance.
4. difficult to manage or suppress:
   a stubborn horse; a stubborn pain.
5. hard, tough, or stiff, as stone or wood;
   difficult to shape or work.

• ?
• Middle English stiborn(e), styborne, stuborn 1350–1400

stub′born•ly, adv. 
stub′born•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 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.

Antonyms

• 1. tractable.
• 2. irresolute.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

stubborn / ˈstʌb^ən/ adjective

1. refusing to comply, agree, or give in; obstinate
2. difficult to handle, treat, or overcome
3. persistent and dogged

Etymology: 14th Century stoborne, of obscure origin

ˈstubbornness noun