What does stubbornest mean?
Stubbornest is the superlative form of stubborn and describes someone or something exceptionally unwilling to change an opinion, attitude, or course of action. It implies more than ordinary persistence: the person or force concerned continues resisting persuasion, pressure, or difficulty to an unusual degree. The word is commonly used of people, as in “the stubbornest negotiator,” but it can also characterise animals, mechanisms, materials, or abstract forces. “The stubbornest mule” is a familiar traditional expression, though the figurative use is now by far the most frequent. In modern usage, the term often carries a mildly humorous or affectionate tone when applied to someone admired for determination, whereas it may sound critical when it describes persistent obstruction. As the superlative of stubborn, it naturally implies comparison with others of the same kind.
adjectiveThe superlative of stubborn: refusing to change one's opinion, behaviour, or course of action despite persuasion, pressure, or difficulty.
- Refusing to alter one's opinion, attitude, or course of action; unyielding or immovable.
"He was the stubbornest negotiator in the room, holding firm long after the other delegates had conceded."
"The stubbornest supporters continued their march despite the worsening weather."
"Removing the bolts proved more difficult than anticipated, partly because the old frame was so stubbornly rigid."
Calling someone the stubbornest is powerful praise: it implies that their persistence has become legendary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of stubbornest
The word belongs to the Middle English family formed around “stub,” an Old English word for a short projecting remnant, such as a tree stump. “Stubborn” developed the sense of standing firm or resisting change, and its modern superlative “stubbornest” follows the regular English pattern. Related forms such as “stubble” preserve the same broad etymological connection with projecting remnants or short pieces.
Related word forms
How stubbornest is actually used
This is the regular superlative of “stubborn.” It can describe people, animals, materials, or metaphorical forces, but it is especially common when characterising determined or difficult individuals.
Easily confused with stubbornest
“Stubborn” describes a quality in general, whereas “stubbornest” identifies the person or thing displaying that quality to the greatest degree.