obstinate determination

USAGE SUMMARY

'obstinate determination' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is stubbornly persistent in trying to accomplish something, despite any setbacks they may encounter. For example: "She was determined to finish what she started, her obstinate determination inspiring admiration in everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Obstinate determination.

The Guardian

The curious blend of obstinate determination with self-distrust, a feature of his maturity, was already evident.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A common but untranslatable Italian idiom, un gioco al massacro (literally, "a game to the massacre"), is telling; it refers to conflicts where both parties are destroyed because of their obstinate determination to win an argument.

The New Yorker

Thus, from Rupert Murdoch's obstinate determination to protect the economic value of his content on the Internet to Bono's latest defense of intellectual property to the perpetual hysteria around the Network Neutrality debate, any criticism of piracy or defense of paid content is viewed in the darkest and most apocalyptical terms by paranoid advocates of an "open" and "free" Internet.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There was disarray in the wake of the "homework" fiasco in India when none of the senior citizens of Cricket Australia could persuade Mickey Arthur, the coach, or Michael Clarke, the captain, to change their obstinate, blinkered determination to drop four of the team.

The Guardian - Sport

Patsy, through her actions (not words) showed me to what extent 'getting the job done' necessitates dedication, perseverance, networking, and absolute iron-will determination that won't bend even when faced with the most obstinate federal bureaucrat that the US government can conjure up.

Huffington Post

I'm obstinate.

The New York Times

Beijing remains obstinate.

The New York Times

(Obstinate tough cookie. Divorced).

The New York Times - Arts

The approach underscores Mr. Cuomo's determination to avoid the fate of the current governor, David A. Paterson, and the previous one, Eliot Spitzer, who both promised change but were quickly stymied by an obstinate Legislature, and later fell victim to their own scandals.

The New York Times

The humor is obstinate.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obstinate determination" when you want to emphasize a strong, even stubborn, persistence in achieving a goal, especially in the face of adversity. Ensure the context supports the intensity of this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "obstinate determination" in situations where simple "determination" or "persistence" would suffice. The term carries a connotation of stubbornness that may not always be desirable or appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstinate determination" functions as a noun phrase, where "obstinate" modifies the noun "determination". This emphasizes a specific type of determination characterized by inflexibility and persistence. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase correctly highlights someone's strong, even stubborn, persistence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstinate determination" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a firm, unwavering resolve, often to a degree that might be perceived as stubborn. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and encyclopedia contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to consider the connotations of "obstinate" and ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on inflexible persistence. Alternatives like "unyielding resolve" or "dogged persistence" might be more suitable in contexts where the negative implications of "obstinate" are undesirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unyielding resolve

Replaces "determination" with a synonym that emphasizes inflexibility.

dogged persistence

Substitutes "obstinate" with "dogged" to highlight tenacity.

inflexible will

Emphasizes the rigidity and strength of purpose.

adamant resolve

Uses "adamant" to strengthen the sense of unwavering conviction.

determined stubbornness

Inverts the structure, placing "determined" before "stubbornness" for emphasis.

resolute tenacity

Combines synonyms for both "determination" and "obstinacy" to create a more formal tone.

unwavering commitment

Shifts focus to the dedication aspect of determination.

firm perseverance

Highlights the steadfast nature of the effort.

persistent insistence

Emphasizes the continuous and unwavering nature of the action.

tenacious grip

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the strength of one's hold on a goal.

FAQs

How can "obstinate determination" be used in a sentence?

You can use "obstinate determination" to describe someone's unwavering resolve to achieve a goal, even when facing significant obstacles. For example, "Despite numerous setbacks, her "obstinate determination" never wavered".

What are some synonyms for "obstinate determination"?

Alternatives include "unyielding resolve", "dogged persistence", and "inflexible will", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of unwavering resolve.

Is "obstinate determination" a positive or negative trait?

It depends on the context. While determination is generally positive, "obstinate" can suggest stubbornness or inflexibility. "Obstinate determination" can be admirable when overcoming challenges, but detrimental if it leads to ignoring valid advice or changing circumstances.

When is it appropriate to use "obstinate determination" instead of simple "determination"?

Use "obstinate determination" when you want to highlight the unwavering, almost stubborn, quality of someone's resolve. It suggests a refusal to give up, even when others might advise doing so.