Wayward

Wayward describes someone or something that is disobedient, willful, and resistant to guidance or control. It implies a deviation from an expected or desired course of behavior or direction. A Wayward individual might disregard rules or instructions, while a Wayward object might stray from its intended path. It often suggests a stubbornness or independent spirit that leads to unpredictable or undesirable outcomes. The term can also carry a connotation of being capricious or fickle, particularly when describing emotions or inclinations.

Wayward meaning with examples

• The Wayward teenager, tired of his parents' strict rules, decided to run away from home, seeking adventure and freedom beyond the confines of his structured life, hoping to escape the feeling of being stifled.
• The old sailor attributed the unexpected storm to the Wayward winds, which capriciously shifted direction, scattering his sails and threatening to capsize his small vessel as it battled against the waves.
• Despite her best efforts, the writer found her plot taking a Wayward turn, with the characters developing unexpected motivations and making choices that defied her initial intentions, resulting in a much different ending.
• His Wayward heart, prone to sudden infatuations, led him to declare his love for a new acquaintance every few weeks, leaving a trail of confused and disappointed admirers in his wake of impulsivity.