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

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."

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 notes

In 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

wilful →

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.

Rhymes for willful

skillful

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.