mulishness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mulishness' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean stubbornness or willful refusal to change one's opinion, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so. For example, "His mulishness was evident when no amount of reasoning could sway him from his opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In his four-star review, the veteran critic Benedict Nightingale, writing in The Times of London, said Ms. Cattrall "combines allure with the mulishness of a woman who knows her own mind as well as her own body".

The New York Times

Listening to Rachel meet all of Zelda's reasoned questions, frank confidences and gestures of sympathy with the mulishness of a sullen teenager is unpalatable in the first act, and almost unbearable by the close of the second.

The New York Times

But as time went on, the power of teenage mulishness combined with adolescent idealism, and I started to find my identity as contrarian, a defender of lost causes, a romanticiser of doomed heroes.

The Guardian - Sport

Where Jack's fall from grace leads to madness and divine regime change, Sal opts for mulishness.

The Guardian - Books

Such mulishness puts Doss at odds with the other recruits, like the strapping Smitty (Luke Bracey), and with their drill sergeant, played by Vince Vaughn, who equips the character not just with the standard snarl and bark but also with a twinge of genuine curiosity.

The New Yorker

The acute form of this mulishness is writer's block.

The New Yorker

He is the laureate of bridling, and "Indignation," published in 2008, is as much a study in mulishness as "Portnoy's Complaint," from 1969.

The New Yorker

Sometimes their author's mulishness leaves him, in his public life, stuck up a tree, with his unswerving allegiance to a political ideology that has buttressed many of the world's most murderous tyrannies.

The New York Times

"Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle" (Drag City) — like his last one, a Bill Callahan record, no more Smog — keeps some of his mulishness intact.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Less an exercise in foolishness than a combination of mulishness and Yulishness, "Christmas In the Heart" finds Dylan stubbornly digging in to attempt fifteen traditional Christmas songs that hearken back to the forties and fifties: there's "Winter Wonderland," "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Christmas Blues," and more.

The New Yorker

(Sometimes they even appear despite the existence of formal paths, out of what seems to be sheer mulishness or, perhaps, cowishness).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mulishness" when you want to emphasize a stubborn refusal to change one's mind, even when faced with good reasons or arguments. It's stronger than simple 'stubbornness'.

Common error

Avoid using "mulishness" when describing simple stubbornness. "Mulishness" implies a particularly unreasonable and inflexible resistance to reason or persuasion, akin to a mule's stubbornness.

Linguistic Context

The noun "mulishness" functions as a subject or object in a sentence, representing the quality or state of being stubborn like a mule. Ludwig examples show it describing character traits or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mulishness" is a noun that describes the quality of being stubbornly unwilling to change one's mind, even when faced with good reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal contexts like news and media. While related to stubbornness, "mulishness" carries a stronger connotation of unreasonableness. To avoid misuse, reserve "mulishness" for situations where the resistance to reason is particularly pronounced. Synonyms include "obstinacy" and "intransigence". The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in describing characters and behaviors across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stubborn refusal

Focuses on the act of refusing to yield.

obstinate behavior

Highlights the difficult and uncooperative nature of the behavior.

inflexible attitude

Emphasizes the lack of adaptability in one's mindset.

pigheadedness

Uses a more informal term to describe extreme stubbornness.

unyielding nature

Conveys a sense of firmness and resistance to change.

intransigence

Implies a firm refusal to compromise or agree.

adamant stance

Focuses on the unwavering nature of one's position.

dogged persistence

Highlights a determined and unwavering approach, often despite obstacles.

bullheadedness

A more colloquial term emphasizing stubbornness and unwillingness to listen to reason.

willful obstinacy

Combines the idea of deliberate intention with stubbornness.

FAQs

How can I use "mulishness" in a sentence?

You can use "mulishness" to describe someone's stubborn refusal to change their mind, like in the sentence: "His "mulishness" prevented him from seeing the benefits of the new strategy."

What's the difference between "mulishness" and stubbornness?

"Mulishness" implies a more unreasonable and inflexible form of stubbornness. While stubbornness can simply mean being firm in one's beliefs, "mulishness" suggests a willful refusal to be persuaded, even when presented with logical arguments.

What are some synonyms for "mulishness"?

Some synonyms for "mulishness" include "obstinacy", "stubbornness", "intransigence", and "pigheadedness".

Is "mulishness" a formal or informal word?

"Mulishness" is generally considered a somewhat formal word, although it can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the tone you wish to convey. Words like "pigheadedness" are considered informal alternatives.