obstinacy

[ob-stuh-nuh-see]

noun

plural

obstinacies 

1. the quality or state of being obstinate; stubbornness.

2. unyielding or stubborn adherence to one's purpose, opinion, etc.

3. stubborn persistence.

   The garrison fought on with incredible obstinacy.

4. resistance to cure, relief, or treatment, as a disease.

5. an instance of being obstinate; an obstinate act, viewpoint, etc.

obstinacy

/ ˈɒbstɪnəsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being obstinate

2. an obstinate act, attitude, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstinacy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin obstinātia, from Latin obstinātus “determined” (adjective use of past participle of obstināre “to set one's mind on, be determined”; obstinate ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

Brutal humor and obstinacy bind these malcontents together for almost 15 years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Her obstinacy represents the larger unwillingness of those in power to listen to the public, digging their heels in rather than trying to maintain an air of understanding.

Read more on Salon

She is not a champion born, and bears few of a champion’s sins – arrogance, obstinacy, a sense of entitlement.

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Trump’s obstinacy continued for weeks, culminating with Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump urged on an angry mob that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the election certification.

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In a 17-page order, Judge Chushcoff said the employee “demonstrated obstinacy in her search” that led the State Patrol to move to discipline her; however, Loftis said the employee “subsequently left our employ.”

Read more on Seattle Times