stubborn
Refusing to change your mind, even when you might be wrong.
stubborn in a sentence
- The stubborn toddler would not change her mind: it was the pirate costume or nothing, whatever Mum said.
- My little sister is so stubborn that she wore her wellies all summer rather than admit they hurt.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to stubborn?
- Aflexible
- Bagreeable
- Cobstinate
- Dwilling
Show the answer
C: obstinate. The other three mean the opposite of stubborn.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to stubborn?
- Aflexible
- Bdefiant
- Cobstinate
- Dheadstrong
Show the answer
A: flexible. The other three mean nearly the same as stubborn.
Words that mean something similar
obstinate, headstrong, defiant
Words that mean the opposite
flexible, willing, agreeable
Careful: stubborn is not obstinate
Stubborn can be a compliment. Obstinate never is. Read why children mix them up.
More words about character & personality
- tenacious: Holding on and refusing to give up.
- tentative: Careful and unsure, as if not quite confident yet.
- testy: Quick to become cross and impatient, especially when bothered.
- thrifty: Careful with money and never wasteful.
- timid: Shy and easily frightened.
- typical: Happening or behaving in the way you would expect.
- tyrant: A ruler who uses power in a cruel and unfair way.
- undaunted: Not frightened or discouraged, even when things are difficult.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test