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.

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obstinacy British  

/ ˈɒbstɪnəsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being obstinate

2. an obstinate act, attitude, etc

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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

Explanation

Obstinacy is the quality of firmly sticking to your own viewpoint or desires. If you’ve ever watched a persistent two-year-old who wants something she’s been denied, you’ve witnessed obstinacy at its purest. Adults show obstinacy too of course, when they refuse to be moved or change their mind. Obstinacy can also refer to a situation or trait that is hard to overcome, as in the obstinacy of a physics problem that will not be solved or molasses that will not be stirred. Obstinacy is a noun for obstinate behavior — it can also be called bullheadedness, pigheadedness, willfulness, and plain old stubbornness.

Example Sentences

In business, it’s rare to find obstinacy mixed with integrity, and I can’t help thinking that’s the formula behind the Grand’s success.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 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

At this point I should confess I have a perverse patience for the U.S. tax code, not least because I marvel at the obstinacy of its idiom.

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2024

Whenever I found myself up against my mother’s faith-based obstinacy, I would try, as respectfully as possible, to counter with an opposing point of view.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah