obstinacy

American  

[ob-stuh-nuh-see] / ˈɒb stə nə si /

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 British  

/ ˈɒbstɪnəsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being obstinate

2. an obstinate act, attitude, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of obstinacy

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

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.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2025

Odenkirk was one of several perfectly cast actors in the episode, a force capable of matching Bernthal’s intensity and obstinacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2024

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.”

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

Even more shocking were Rubiales and the Spanish federation’s steadfast attacks on Hermoso in the aftermath and their obstinacy that he had done nothing wrong, going so far as to call Hermoso a liar.

From Slate • Aug. 30, 2023

“I’m going to go find it,” Finn announced, and Chess knew without looking that Finn would have his lip stuck out and his face set, a vision of obstinacy.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix