What does obstinateness mean?
Obstinateness means stubborn persistence: the determination to continue with a chosen course despite opposition, difficulty, or evidence that another approach might be preferable. It can describe a person's character, as in a negotiator whose obstinateness prevents compromise, or a quality of an approach, as in the obstinateness of repeated resistance to change. The word is commonly used in formal and mildly disapproving contexts because it suggests that persistence has become inflexibility rather than useful determination. It is more specific than simply being “determined,” since it implies refusal to yield or reconsider. The related words “obstinate,” “obstinacy,” and “obstinately” are derived from the same Latin root and are widely used in related contexts. Understanding obstinateness is useful in discussions of conflict, negotiation, and persistence, because it captures the point at which determination turns into a refusal to adapt.
nounThe quality of being obstinate; stubborn persistence in maintaining one's course or refusing to accept opposition or change.
- Stubborn persistence in maintaining one's course, especially in the face of opposition, difficulty, or reason to change.
"His obstinateness prevented him from acknowledging that the original plan was no longer practical."
"The negotiator's obstinateness led to a deadlock that neither side could break."
"A combination of patience and obstinateness eventually produced a result through repeated small experiments."
The plural is grammatically possible but is rarely used in ordinary writing.
"The report described the obstinatenesses of several negotiating teams."
Obstinateness is the force that keeps a course of action going even when every sign says to turn back.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obstinateness come from?
Obstinateness comes through English “obstinacy” and “obstinate” from Latin obstinātus, a past participle meaning determined or persistent. The underlying Latin verb obstināre meant to persist, remain resolute, or be firmly fixed in one's purpose. The related forms “obstinate,” “obstinacy,” and “obstinately” developed in English from this Latin family of words.
Related word forms
How obstinateness is actually used
The word is formal and carries a generally negative or mildly disapproving connotation, suggesting persistence that may be excessive or unreasonable. In less formal contexts, “stubbornness” is often more natural.
Easily confused with obstinateness
Obstinacy is the quality or state of being stubbornly determined, whereas obstinateness more directly refers to the stubborn persistence itself.