stubborn

American  

[stuhb-ern] / ˈstʌb ərn /

adjective

1. unreasonably obstinate; obstinately unmoving.

   a stubborn child.

   Synonyms:

   obdurate, headstrong, unyielding, refractory, intractable, contrary

   Antonyms:

   tractable

2. fixed or set in purpose or opinion; resolute.

   a stubborn opponent of foreign aid.

   Synonyms:

   persevering

   Antonyms:

   irresolute

3. obstinately maintained, as a course of action.

   a stubborn resistance.

4. difficult to manage or suppress.

   a stubborn horse; a stubborn pain.

5. hard, tough, or stiff, as stone or wood; difficult to shape or work.

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stubborn British  

/ ˈstʌbən /

adjective

1. refusing to comply, agree, or give in; obstinate

2. difficult to handle, treat, or overcome

3. persistent and dogged

   a stubborn crusade

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Usage

Where does stubborn come from? The origin of stubborn is itself fittingly stubborn, or "unreasonably obstinate." We might assume stubborn is connected to stub, a "short, projecting part or remaining piece" that is often immovable and unyielding. But that just doesn't seem to be true. Stubborn is recorded around 1350–1400 and took such forms as stiborn(e), styborne, and stuborn. Beyond that, we just don't really know. Thanks for nothing, stubborn. Stubborn isn’t alone: it finds lots of company in other English words that seem simple but whose origins are not. Discover more in our slideshow “‘Dog,’ ‘Boy,’ And Other Words That We Don’t Know Where They Came From."

Related Words

Stubborn, dogged, obstinate, persistent imply fixity of purpose or condition and resistance to change. Stubborn and obstinate both imply resistance to advice, entreaty, remonstrance, or force; but stubborn implies more of innate quality and is the more frequently used when referring to inanimate things: stubborn disposition; stubborn difficulties. Dogged implies pertinacity and grimness in doing something, especially in the face of discouragements: dogged determination. Persistent implies having staying or lasting qualities, resoluteness, and perseverance: persistent questioning.

Other Word Forms

• prestubborn adjective
• stubbornly adverb
• stubbornness noun
• unstubborn adjective
• unstubbornly adverb
• unstubbornness noun

Etymology

Origin of stubborn

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English stiborn(e), styborne, stuborn ; origin uncertain

Explanation

Use the adjective stubborn to describe someone who is not open to new ideas or ways of doing things, like your uncle who refuses to listen to any music made after 1990. Stubborn is the opposite of flexible. The Middle English version of stubborn carried the sense of “untamable, implacable,” and there’s still a hint of that in how it is used today. A stubborn person holds on to a view or an attitude, refusing to change — to the point of being unreasonable. Things can also be stubborn, like a stain that no amount of scrubbing can clean or a medical condition that, even with treatment, doesn't improve.

Example Sentences

Melamine sponges are known for removing stubborn stains without the need for extra chemicals.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

Citibank economists argue that people have become very resistant to paying more for goods and services after years of stubborn inflation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

There have been concerns among fans this season that the game's top teams, faced with stubborn man-to-man defensive set-ups, are taking a less risky approach in attack.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Before running them through the dishwasher, he soaks and scrubs off the most stubborn jams and sauces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Showing my temper had only made him more determined, and the stubborn clench of his jaw hadn’t relaxed.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• adamant
• determined
• dogged
• headstrong
• inflexible
• intractable
• ornery
• persistent
• perverse
• relentless
• rigid
• single-minded
• steadfast
• tenacious
• tough
• unshakable
• willful