What does wilfulness mean?
Wilfulness means stubborn, deliberate persistence, especially the determination to follow one's own course despite advice, pressure, or the wishes of others. The word often implies an uncooperative or self-conscious refusal to reconsider, so it is commonly used for people whose insistence causes conflict or delay. In legal and formal writing, wilfulness can instead refer to a conscious intention to act in a particular way, especially when that intention breaches an obligation or causes harm. It is therefore related to both obstinacy and intent: the first sense focuses on stubbornness, while the second focuses on deliberate purpose. The standard British spelling is wilfulness; American spelling is willfulness. A useful alternative in less negative contexts is determination, although that word does not necessarily suggest defiance or blame.
nounThe quality of being wilful: deliberate and stubborn persistence, especially in refusing to change one's course. In legal and formal contexts, it can also mean a conscious intention to act in a particular way, particularly despite a duty or obligation to do otherwise.
- Stubborn or self-willed persistence, especially in refusing advice, changing one's mind, or yielding to others.
- Deliberate or conscious intention, especially intention that is legally culpable or contrary to an obligation.
"Her wilfulness turned a minor disagreement into an argument that lasted all afternoon."
"His wilfulness made it impossible for the committee to reach a compromise."
"The court treated the defendant's wilfulness as an aggravating factor when assessing responsibility."
Rare; wilfulness is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The document described the wilfulnesses of several officials who had ignored repeated warnings."
Wilfulness turns willingness into stubbornness: the deliberate refusal to yield.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wilfulness come from?
Wilfulness was formed in early modern English by adding the suffix -ness to wilful, an adjective meaning willing, resolved, or stubbornly determined. Wilful itself combines will with -ful, so the word ultimately points to a firm intention or deliberate choice. The related words will, willing, and willingly belong to the same Germanic root, while willful and willfully are the main American spelling variants of the related adjective and adverb. The noun developed from the idea of being resolved or determined and later acquired the stronger sense of stubborn or culpable intention.
Related word forms
How wilfulness is actually used
Wilfulness is more common in British English in the spelling with one l, while American English generally uses willfulness. The noun is formal and often carries a negative or disapproving tone. Its legal sense emphasizes deliberate intention rather than simple carelessness.
Easily confused with wilfulness
Wilfulness is stubborn or deliberate persistence, often with a negative or uncooperative implication, whereas willingness is a readiness or eagerness to agree or act.