Obstinacy

/ˈɒbstɪnəsi/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The quality or condition of being obstinate; stubbornness.

His obstinacy in refusing to change his mind led to many disagreements.

An unyielding adherence to one’s purpose or opinion, despite reason or persuasion.

The obstinacy of the committee made it difficult to reach a consensus on the new policy.

A perverse persistence in an opinion or course of action.

Her obstinacy in sticking to her original plan, even when it was flawed, surprised her colleagues.

Middle English obstinacie, from Latin obstinatia, from obstinatus, past participle of obstinare 'to persist in' or 'hold fast.'

stubborn as a mule

Extremely obstinate or stubborn.

head in the sand

To refuse to acknowledge something unpleasant or to be obstinate.

dig in one's heels

To refuse to change one's attitude or position, similar to being obstinate.

obstinate

Characterized by refusal to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.

stubborn

Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something.

tenacious

Holding firmly to an opinion or a course of action.

Hard-headed

Don't be so hard-headed about it; sometimes you have to listen.

Bull-headed

He's being bull-headed again, refusing to consider anyone else's input.