adj
willful
Willful (adj) means Deliberate and intentional, especially when doing something wrong or harmful. Example: “The judge called it willful destruction of property.”
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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more willful, willfuler, willfuller
- Superlative
- most willful, willfulest, willfullest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge called it _____ destruction of property.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for willful
See all rhymes for willful →Frequently asked questions
What does “willful” mean?
The word “willful” means deliberate and intentional, especially when doing something wrong or harmful. In plain terms, on purpose and stubborn — either 'done deliberately' (willful damage) or 'headstrong' (a willful child).
How do you use “willful” in a sentence?
Here is “willful” used in a sentence: “The judge called it willful destruction of property.”
What part of speech is “willful”?
“Willful” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “willful” have?
“Willful” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: deliberate and intentional, especially when doing something wrong or harmful.
