strong-willed

American  

[strawng-wild, strong-] / ˈstrɔŋˈwɪld, ˈstrɒŋ- /

adjective

1. having a powerful will; resolute.

2. stubborn; obstinate.

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strong-willed British  

adjective

1. having strength of will

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Etymology

Origin of strong-willed

First recorded in 1895–1900

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Explanation

Someone strong-willed doesn’t give up easily. A strong-willed person is determined. Your will is your desire or drive to do something, so a strong-willed person is someone with a powerful will. This can be positive or negative. A child who insists on going to the zoo in the rain is strong-willed in a stubborn way. Someone with deep beliefs is strong-willed in a better way. A hero — or anyone who shows courage — is strong-willed. You have to be strong-willed to stand up for what you believe in during difficult situations.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

strong-willed

Never fear; she’s also seen stomping through puddles, the hallmark of every strong-willed lady.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

Amcanu announced his death with "profound sadness", describing Davies as "strong-willed, spirited, determined and deeply caring".

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

"My work also busts the myth that Byfield always did what he was told and never complained. He was very strong-willed but also suffered a great deal of hardship and psychological strain."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026

It didn’t take long to recognize that the core of the hearing would be an honor dispute between two strong-willed men.

From Slate ● Mar. 18, 2026

Anatole translated the rage of a village into one quiet sentence that could pin a strong-willed man to the ground.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

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Related Words

• headstrong

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