stubborn
15 synonyms and 0 antonyms for stubborn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Refusing to change one’s mind, position, or behaviour despite pressure or good reason to.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stubborn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English stiborne, of uncertain origin; possibly related to Old English stybb ("stump"), suggesting something as immovable as a tree stump.
Full origin of stubborn →Frequently asked questions
What does “stubborn” mean?
The word “stubborn” means refusing to change one’s mind, position, or behaviour despite pressure or good reason to. In plain terms, set in one’s ways and unwilling to budge, whether about an opinion or a difficult problem.
How do you pronounce “stubborn”?
“Stubborn” is pronounced STUH-buhn (/ˈstʌbɚn/ in IPA).
How do you use “stubborn” in a sentence?
Here is “stubborn” used in a sentence: “He’s too stubborn to admit he was wrong.”
What is another word for “stubborn”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stubborn” include willful, headstrong, wayward, obstinate, obdurate and contrary.
What part of speech is “stubborn”?
“Stubborn” is an adjective.
Where does the word “stubborn” come from?
The word “stubborn” comes from Old English. From Middle English stiborne, of uncertain origin; possibly related to Old English stybb ("stump"), suggesting something as immovable as a tree stump.
Is “stubborn” a common word?
“Stubborn” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between stubborn and determined?
Stubborn usually carries a negative tone, describing someone who refuses to change their mind or behavior even when there's good reason to, often to their own detriment. Determined is more positive, describing focused persistence toward a worthwhile goal, though the two can overlap depending on context.
Can stubborn describe things other than people?
Yes, stubborn is often used for stains, weeds, weather, or illnesses that are difficult to remove or resolve, as in 'a stubborn stain' or 'a stubborn cough.' In these cases it means resistant to change or treatment rather than describing personality.
Is calling someone stubborn an insult?
Stubborn is generally seen as a mild criticism, implying inflexibility or unreasonable resistance, though it can be used lightly or even affectionately depending on tone and context, such as describing a child's strong will.