Stubborn
'stʌbərn
Definitions
2 meaningsInflexible; unwilling to yield or compromise; obstinate.
'stʌbərn
Refusing to change one's ideas or behavior, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
The child was stubborn and refused to go to bed.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend really wants pizza, but you want tacos. If you keep insisting on tacos even when everyone else wants pizza, that's being stubborn! You are sticking to your decision.
👶 For kids: When you really, really want to do something, and you won't change your mind, even if it's not a good idea. Like refusing to eat your vegetables!
More Examples
Despite the evidence, he remained stubborn in his belief.
She is known for her stubborn personality.
How It's Used
"He was too stubborn to admit he was wrong."
"Her stubborn refusal to seek help was a sign of deep-seated anxiety."
"Their stubborn disagreements often led to arguments."
Difficult to deal with, overcome, or remove.
'stʌbərn
Difficult to manage, treat, or remove.
The stubborn stain wouldn't come out of the fabric.
💡 Simply: Imagine you spilled juice on the table and you try to wipe it up, but it won't come off easily. That juice stain is being stubborn, because it's not going away!
👶 For kids: Something that's hard to get rid of, like a sticker that won't peel off.
More Examples
The cough was a stubborn one, lasting for weeks.
The company faced stubborn economic challenges.
How It's Used
"The infection proved stubborn and required intensive treatment."
"A stubborn stain remained on the carpet."
"The weeds were surprisingly stubborn and difficult to eradicate."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
stubborn as a mule
Very stubborn and unwilling to change one's mind.
"He's as stubborn as a mule and won't listen to anyone's advice."
From Middle English *stubborne*, from Old English *stybborna* ("stout, firm"), related to *stub*.
The word 'stubborn' has been used since the Middle Ages to describe a firm or unyielding character.
Memory tip
Think of a STUB of a tree, hard to move and unyielding. A stubborn person is like a tree root, they're hard to sway.
Word Origin
"firm, stout"