Recalcitrance

Recalcitrance is the quality of being stubbornly resistant to authority, control, or direction; the state of refusing to obey rules or follow instructions. It manifests as defiance and unwillingness to comply, often stemming from a strong-willed nature or disagreement with the imposed conditions. This obstinate behavior can appear in various settings, from individual interactions to organizational structures, and poses challenges to maintaining order or achieving desired outcomes. The degree of recalcitrance varies, ranging from passive resistance to open rebellion, always rooted in a deep-seated unwillingness to yield or compromise.

Recalcitrance meaning with examples

• The student's recalcitrance towards homework assignments frustrated the teacher; his refusal to complete the work hampered his academic progress and disrupted the classroom routine. Despite multiple warnings and parental involvement, the boy continued to demonstrate open disobedience, creating an untenable situation for his learning.
• Negotiations stalled due to the union's recalcitrance. Their unwavering stance against management's proposed concessions blocked any chance of an agreement. The uncompromising attitude demonstrated a significant barrier to progress, with management seeking to maintain their cost of production.
• The aging dog, displaying increasing recalcitrance, resisted attempts to administer medication. The dog's unwillingness to take the medication demonstrated a resistance to being controlled which often resulted in injury or the need for a vet.
• Political stalemates often arise from the recalcitrance of opposing factions; each side's refusal to budge on core issues prevents legislative action. This uncompromising and obstinate nature paralyzes the government and prevents any progress from being made.
• The software update's failure stemmed from the system's recalcitrance, the device was not accepting the new settings, and the team found it very difficult to get past the system's unwillingness to be configured and reconfigured.