# obdurate

/ˈɑbdɝət/ (US) · /ˈɒbdjɔːɹət/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/obdurate
Updated: 2026-10-07

## Definition

refusing to change your mind or your opinion, even when people try to persuade you. It describes someone who is very stubborn and does not feel sorry for their actions.

For teachers: stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Often implies a cold or hardened lack of sympathy or repentance.

## Examples

- The manager remained obdurate despite our many complaints.
- Despite hours of intense negotiation and several generous offers, the board remained obdurate in its refusal to sell the company.
- The diplomat faced an obdurate regime that viewed any concession as a sign of terminal weakness, making a peaceful resolution nearly impossible to achieve.

## Synonyms

stubborn, obstinate, unyielding, inflexible, unrepentant, adamant

## Antonyms

compliant, malleable, submissive, tractable

## Usage notes

- Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person's character or a specific refusal.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.