stubborn

stubborn — adjective

1. describes a person who holds firmly to their own opinion, decision, or way of do

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes a person who holds firmly to their own opinion, decision, or way of doing things and will not change it, even when other people suggest they should.

Example

Aylin is so stubborn that she would not listen to anyone's advice about the project.

so + adj + that-clause for result

Mark's stubborn refusal to compromise cost him the promotion.

Common collocations
  • stubborn person
  • stubborn attitude
  • stubborn refusal
  • stubborn about the details
  • stubborn as a mule
  • too stubborn to admit
  • remain stubborn
Synonyms
  • obstinate

    more negative than stubborn; suggests unreasonable or even irrational refusal

  • headstrong

    focuses on acting on one's own wishes without listening to others, often used for younger people

  • determined

    positive and neutral; emphasizes commitment to a goal rather than refusal to change

  • persistent

    neutral; describes continuing effort without the negative nuance of stubbornness

Antonyms
  • flexible

    willing to change one's plans or opinions when needed

  • cooperative

    willing to work with others rather than insisting on one's own way

Grammar Patterns

be + stubborn + about + noun/gerund

too + stubborn + to-infinitive

so + stubborn + that-clause

Usage Note

Can carry either a negative tone (unreasonable refusal) or a positive one (admirable determination), depending on the context and speaker's attitude. The phrase 'stubborn as a mule' is a common fixed comparison used for emphasis.

Common Mistakes

She is stubborn to change her mind.
She is too stubborn to change her mind.
The pattern 'stubborn to + verb' is incorrect; use 'too stubborn to + verb' for the 'so stubborn that someone will not' meaning.
He is stubborn of his opinion.
He is stubborn about his opinion.
'stubborn of' is wrong; use 'stubborn about' with a topic or issue.

2. describes a physical mark, object, problem, or medical condition that is hard to

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a physical mark, object, problem, or medical condition that is hard to remove, fix, or treat because it keeps returning or resisting efforts.

Example

The coffee left a stubborn stain on the carpet that would not come out.

stubborn stain + would not come out

Mayumi tried three different treatments, but the stubborn rash would not go away.

Common collocations
  • stubborn stain
  • stubborn mark
  • stubborn problem
  • stubborn infection
  • stubborn lock
  • stubborn lid
  • stubborn cough
  • stubborn resistance
Synonyms
  • persistent

    neutral to slightly negative; often used for medical conditions or problems that last a long time

  • resistant

    scientific or technical; implies something does not respond to treatment or effort

  • tenacious

    slightly formal; suggests something clings or holds on with force

Antonyms
  • manageable

    easy to handle or deal with

  • removable

    can be taken away or eliminated without great effort

Grammar Patterns

stubborn + noun (stain, problem, issue, infection)

be + stubborn + to-infinitive

remain + stubborn

Usage Note

Used for things rather than people. Common with stains, marks, locks, lids, illnesses, technical issues, or any object that is unexpectedly hard to deal with. The tone is usually one of frustration.

Common Mistakes

The stain is stubborn to remove.
The stain is stubborn and hard to remove.' OR 'The stubborn stain will not come out.
'stubborn to remove' is unnatural; use 'stubborn' attributively or rephrase with 'hard/difficult to remove.'

Word family

  • stubbornly
    adverbB1
  • stubbornness
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe someone who does not easily give up, but they differ in tone and context. 'Stubborn' is the most common and can be either negative (refusing to budge unreasonably) or positive (holding firm with conviction). 'Obstinate' is more formal and strongly negative — it suggests an unreasonable, annoying refusal to change even when clearly wrong. 'Headstrong' focuses on reckless action: a person who rushes forward doing what they want without considering advice from others. 'Determined' is purely positive or neutral — it emphasises working hard toward a goal, not refusing to listen. 'Persistent' is neutral too; it describes continuing effort over time. For example: 'The stubborn child refused to put on a coat' (negative), versus 'She was determined to finish the marathon despite her injury' (positive).

obstinateheadstrongdetermined ↗persistent ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • stubbornly
  • too stubbornly

Phrases

  • stubborn as a mule
  • stubborn streak

Prepositions

Etymology

Middle EnglishEnglish

The origin of 'stubborn' is uncertain, but many experts trace it to Middle English 'stiborne' or 'stuborn', possibly from 'stub' (a tree stump) combined with an old suffix meaning 'having the nature of.' The image of a stump — short, thick, rooted, and almost impossible to move — fits the modern meaning of someone or something that refuses to budge. The word has been used in English since the 1300s.