stubborn
STUH-buhn
Stubborn (adjective) means refusing to change one’s mind, position, or behaviour despite pressure or good reason to. Example: “He’s too stubborn to admit he was wrong.”
adjective
1
Refusing to change one’s mind, position, or behaviour despite pressure or good reason to.
"He’s too stubborn to admit he was wrong."
"The stubborn stain wouldn’t come out no matter how hard she scrubbed."
"My grandfather is stubborn about driving, even though his eyesight has got worse."
How to use stubborn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSet in one’s ways and unwilling to budge, whether about an opinion or a difficult problem.
Common pairings
stubborn as a mule
stubborn refusal
a stubborn stain
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like stubborn.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- stubborner
- Superlative
- stubbornest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He’s too _____ to admit he was wrong.
Etymology
From Middle English stiborne, of uncertain origin; possibly related to Old English stybb ("stump"), suggesting something as immovable as a tree stump.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
