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Definition of stubborn

stubborn

/ˈstʌb.ɚn/
stub · born
Adverb:stubbornly
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stubborn Lexical Profile

stubborn Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.

Example

"He was too stubborn to admit that he had taken the wrong turn."

2

Difficult to move, remove, or cure.

Example

"She used a special detergent to remove the stubborn grass stains from her jeans."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for stubborn

• Nearby Words

stubble
stubbled
stubbly
stubborn
stubbornly
stubbornness
stubby

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English stoburne, likely derived from Old English stubb ('a tree stump'), originally evoking the idea of something that is as immovable and impossible to uproot as a tree stump.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stubborn. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stubborn
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