Stubborn

Stubbornness describes an unwavering and often unreasonable adherence to one's own will, opinion, or course of action, despite arguments, persuasion, or even evidence to the contrary.

It implies a resistance to change or being easily swayed, often fueled by a desire to be right or a fear of yielding.

Stubbornness can manifest as inflexibility, obstinacy, or dogged determination, depending on the context and the reasons behind the resistance.

While persistence can be a virtue, stubbornness often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a closed-minded approach that hinders progress and understanding.

Its impact on relationships and outcomes can be both constructive (when defending a principle) and destructive (when refusing to compromise).

Stubborn meaning with examples

• Despite numerous safety warnings and advice from experienced climbers, the Stubborn hiker insisted on scaling the treacherous peak alone, driven by an unwavering belief in his own abilities, disregarding the potential risks.
• The company president remained stubbornly attached to the outdated business model, ignoring market trends and the recommendations of his advisory board, ultimately leading the company towards financial decline.
• The old door, Stubborn and creaky, refused to open despite repeated attempts to jiggle the handle and force the lock, symbolizing the owner's resistance to any kind of change in his life.
• Though presented with irrefutable evidence of his mistake, the debater stubbornly refused to concede the point, digging in his heels and clinging to his initial, flawed argument.