Word
wilful
Phoneticswil·ful
UK/wˈɪlfəl/
Definition
adj. describing someone who does something on purpose, even if it is wrong or dangerous. It shows a person is being stubborn or not caring about the rules.
adj. intentional and deliberate, especially in a way that is reckless, disobedient, or defiant. Often carries a negative connotation of disregard for consequences or authority.
Examples
“The wilful child refused to follow the rules.”
“The judge ruled that the company's failure to report the leak was wilful, leading to a heavy fine.”
“While some mistakes are simply the result of carelessness, a wilful disregard for safety protocols suggests a deeper institutional failure to prioritize human life over profit.”
Examples
simple
“The wilful child refused to follow the rules.”
contextual
“The judge ruled that the company's failure to report the leak was wilful, leading to a heavy fine.”
complex
“While some mistakes are simply the result of carelessness, a wilful disregard for safety protocols suggests a deeper institutional failure to prioritize human life over profit.”
Etymology
From Middle English wilful; equivalent to will + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/wilful