What does obstinacy mean?
Obstinacy is stubborn persistence, especially the refusal to abandon a course of action in the face of opposition, advice, or changing circumstances. The word often implies that the persistence is excessive, unreasonable, or difficult to influence: a person displaying obstinacy may continue arguing even when the issue has been settled or a compromise is available. It can describe both personal behavior and institutional or political resistance. Although close to words such as stubbornness, persistence, and tenacity, obstinacy generally emphasizes inflexibility more than mere endurance or determination. It is especially useful when discussing conflict, negotiation, resistance to change, and the limits of persuasion, though its evaluative tone means it is not always the most neutral term for describing prolonged effort.
nounThe quality of being stubbornly determined to follow one's own course of action, especially in spite of opposition, reason, or difficulty. It can also refer to persistent resistance to change or compromise.
- Stubborn adherence to one's own course of action despite opposition or persuasion.
- Persistent, uncompromising resistance to change, compromise, or inconvenience.
"Her obstinacy made it impossible to discuss the issue calmly."
"The committee's obstinacy prolonged negotiations that could have been resolved quickly."
"His obstinacy in refusing medical advice made his condition more difficult to treat."
Plural form of obstinacy, used when referring to different instances of stubborn or uncompromising behavior.
"The negotiations were marked by several stubborn obstinacies on both sides."
Obstinacy is persistence with a refusal to give way: it describes staying the course even when the reason for doing so has disappeared.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obstinacy come from?
The word comes through Medieval Latin from Latin obstinatia, a noun formed from obstinatus, meaning “resolved, stubborn, or inflexible.” The Latin element obstinatus itself combines the prefix ob-, meaning “against,” with a root associated with standing or being fixed, conveying resistance or persistence. English borrowed the word in the 16th century, alongside the related adjective obstinate and the now less common obstination. The same root is reflected in several English derivatives sharing the sense of stubborn resolve.
How obstinacy is actually used
Usually carries a mildly negative or disapproving tone, suggesting that the person involved is being unreasonably difficult rather than merely determined. It is common in formal discussion and journalism.
Easily confused with obstinacy
Persistence means continuing steadily despite difficulty, whereas obstinacy more strongly implies stubborn resistance to advice, opposition, or compromise.
Stubbornness is a closely related trait, but it often describes a refusal to change one's opinion, while obstinacy can also describe persistent or uncompromising conduct.