# wayward

/ˈweɪwɝd/ (US) · /wˈeɪwəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wayward
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

difficult to control or predict. You use this to describe someone or something that does not follow the rules or goes in the wrong direction.

For teachers: difficult to control or predict because of a lack of discipline or a tendency to deviate from an intended path. Often describes behavior, children, or physical objects like a ball or a strand of hair.

## Examples

- The wayward ball flew over the fence and into the street.
- The coach struggled to manage the wayward players who frequently missed practice and ignored his instructions.
- The novel follows the journey of a wayward youth who leaves his quiet village to seek adventure, only to find himself entangled in a series of unfortunate misunderstandings.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; can be used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'remain'.

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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.