Word
stubbornness
Phoneticsstub·born·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstəbɝnəs/
UK/stˈʌbənnəs/
Definition
n. the quality of being very determined to do something or to keep doing something, even when people tell you to stop. It can be a good trait if you are fighting for what is right, but it can also be a bad trait if you refuse to listen to others.
n. the quality of being determined to maintain a position or course of action despite opposition or evidence to the contrary. Often carries a negative connotation when describing a refusal to compromise, though it can be viewed as a virtue in the context of persistence.
Examples
“His stubbornness made it difficult for the team to reach a decision.”
“The negotiator's stubbornness eventually led to a breakdown in talks, as neither side was willing to make a concession.”
“While her stubbornness was often seen as a liability in corporate settings, it proved to be a significant asset when she refused to abandon the project despite the initial technical failures.”
Examples
simple
“His stubbornness made it difficult for the team to reach a decision.”
contextual
“The negotiator's stubbornness eventually led to a breakdown in talks, as neither side was willing to make a concession.”
complex
“While her stubbornness was often seen as a liability in corporate settings, it proved to be a significant asset when she refused to abandon the project despite the initial technical failures.”
Etymology
From stubborn + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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