adj
willful
adj
1
Deliberate and intentional, especially when doing something wrong or harmful.
"The judge called it willful destruction of property."
"Willful neglect of a child is a serious criminal charge."
2
Stubbornly determined to do things one's own way, often ignoring advice.
"Their willful teenager refused to listen to any warnings."
How to Use Willful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOn purpose and stubborn — either 'done deliberately' (willful damage) or 'headstrong' (a willful child).
UK vs US
This is the American spelling; British English usually writes it as "wilful".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
willful blindness
willful misconduct
willful child
Word Forms
more willful comparative, willfuler comparative, willfuller comparative, most willful superlative, willfulest superlative, willfullest superlative
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The judge called it _____ destruction of property.