recalcitrant

/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/
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Stubbornly unwilling to obey or cooperate.

Examples

  • The horse remained recalcitrant despite patient training.
  • A recalcitrant tenant ignored the notice.
  • The committee struggled with a recalcitrant member.
  • The recalcitrant witness refused to answer.
  • She finally persuaded the recalcitrant officials.

Similar words

defiant
uncooperative
intractable

Meanings

Defiant refusal

adjective
behaviour
formal
Describes a person or animal that resists reasonable instructions or control.

Examples

  • The recalcitrant witness refused to answer.
  • A recalcitrant tenant ignored the notice.
  • The committee struggled with a recalcitrant member.
  • The horse remained recalcitrant despite patient training.
  • She finally persuaded the recalcitrant officials.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin recalcitrare, to kick back, referring originally to a resisting animal.

FAQ

What does recalcitrant mean?

Stubbornly unwilling to obey or cooperate.

When is recalcitrant used?

Use it for someone who continues to resist requests or rules.

How does recalcitrant differ from stubborn?

Stubborn describes persistence generally; recalcitrant specifically implies resistance to direction or control.

How is recalcitrant used in a sentence?

The recalcitrant witness refused to answer.

Is recalcitrant formal?

It is a formal adjective.

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