What does obdurate mean?
Obdurate is a formal adjective meaning stubbornly resistant to change, persuasion, or compromise. It commonly describes people who refuse to alter their views or intended course of action despite pressure, argument, or appeals. The word carries a strong negative connotation in everyday use because it suggests that someone is being unyielding, inflexible, or even unreasonable. In more sympathetic contexts, however, it can indicate principled or courageous resolve: an obdurate defender may be refusing to surrender an important conviction. Obdurate is especially associated with determined opposition, stubbornness, and an apparent willingness to remain unmoved. Its familiar phrase “remain obdurate” captures the central idea of maintaining that position regardless of consequences or further attempts to change it.
adjectiveStubbornly refusing to change one's opinion, attitude, or course of action. It describes an unyielding person, resistance, or determination that is difficult to influence or overcome.
- Stubbornly resistant to persuasion, compromise, or change.
"Despite repeated appeals, the committee remained obdurate in its refusal to reconsider the proposal."
"The diplomat was obdurate in his demand that the agreement be renegotiated."
"Her obdurate refusal to acknowledge the error made further discussion pointless."
OBDURATE: A word for when persuasion has hit bedrock and the other side is not budging an inch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obdurate come from?
OBDURATE comes from Latin obduratus, the past participle of obdurare, meaning “to make hard” or “to become hardened.” The word entered English in the early 16th century and originally conveyed the sense of being hardened or unyielding. Its Latin elements combine ob-, a prefix meaning “toward” or “against,” with durus, meaning “hard.” Related English words such as durable, endure, and duration come from the same Latin root associated with hardness and lasting.
Related word forms
How obdurate is actually used
Formal in register, with a strongly negative or disapproving tone when applied to people or actions. It can also suggest an unyielding attitude that is treated as admirable in contexts involving moral courage or principled resistance.
Easily confused with obdurate
Both mean stubborn, but obdurate often suggests a hardened or uncompromising resistance to change, whereas obstinate more commonly emphasizes persistently holding a position or opinion.