recalcitrant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recalcitrant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is stubbornly resistant to authority or control. Example: "The recalcitrant student refused to follow the teacher's instructions, causing disruptions in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it's Heathrow, Javid will be expected to go to war with recalcitrant cabinet colleagues.

The Guardian - Business

They are also fired by sectarian hatred for the other side, historic hatred of the police and, dare we say it, recalcitrant republican ideology.

The Guardian

In several graphic scenes, committed environmental campaigners use a detonator to blow up recalcitrant members of the public, including two schoolchildren and the ex-footballer David Ginola.

The Guardian

The reality is that there will always be recalcitrant minorities in Ireland willing to wage elitist wars "on behalf of the Irish people" even if the majority of the Irish people don't want such conflict.

The Guardian

A morning jog with Nicky Morgan followed by a "hearty breakfast" (a recalcitrant comprehensive school served with bacon and eggs, perhaps) may not appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was Rand Paul, the recalcitrant senator from Kentucky, who forced the suspension of powers used by the country's spy agencies this week, in a high-stakes gamble he hopes will boost his campaign to be the Republican nominee for the White House in 2016.

The Guardian

In terms of British tourism, the overpowering message from the Queen's successful tour was that Anglophobia, if not fully dead in the Republic, is now confined to a tiny minority of recalcitrant republicans.

The Guardian

Throughout Irish history the road of constitutional, peaceful change has been diverted by the actions of recalcitrant minorities.

The Guardian

But for a new recalcitrant minority, like those I encountered at the edge of the euphoria in Derry city centre last Tuesday, one terrible wrong righted will never be enough.

The Guardian

It was widely touted, even while suppressing recalcitrant diversity, as the carrier of political and economic modernity to backward peoples; and modernity itself was defined explicitly as social justice and gender equality, expedited through planned and protected industrial growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

However recalcitrant conservatives in the lower chamber are promising a revolt against Boehner if any such legislation reaches the floor of the House.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recalcitrant" when you want to emphasize a stubborn unwillingness to obey authority or cooperate, particularly in situations involving rules, regulations, or social expectations. It suggests a persistent and often defiant resistance.

Common error

Don't use "recalcitrant" interchangeably with simpler terms like "stubborn" or "disobedient" without considering the context. "Recalcitrant" implies a more deliberate and resistant stance against authority, not just general unwillingness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recalcitrant" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their stubborn resistance to authority or control. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which classifies the word as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

41%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "recalcitrant" is an adjective used to describe a stubborn unwillingness to obey authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly within news and formal business contexts. While alternatives such as "disobedient" or "stubborn" exist, "recalcitrant" carries a more specific nuance of deliberate resistance. When using "recalcitrant", be mindful of its implications and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, especially regarding nuanced resistance against authority. Based on the analysis of a wide array of reliable sources, it’s clear that the term "recalcitrant" is valuable for expressing criticism and disapproval towards stubbornness in an objective and articulate manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disobedient

Focuses more directly on the act of disobeying orders or rules.

Stubborn

Emphasizes a firm refusal to change one's opinion or course of action.

Unruly

Suggests a lack of control and a tendency to disrupt order.

Refractory

Implies resistance to treatment or control, often in a medical or scientific context.

Defiant

Highlights a bold and open resistance to authority.

Non-compliant

Indicates a failure to adhere to regulations or requests.

Obstinate

Suggests an unreasonable persistence in one's beliefs or actions.

Intractable

Describes something difficult to manage or solve.

Contumacious

Implies a stubborn and willful disobedience to authority, often in a legal context.

Averse to obedience

A more verbose and descriptive alternative, emphasizing a general unwillingness to obey.

FAQs

How to use "recalcitrant" in a sentence?

"Recalcitrant" is used to describe someone or something that is stubbornly resistant to authority or control. For example, "The "recalcitrant student" refused to follow the teacher's instructions."

What can I say instead of "recalcitrant"?

You can use alternatives like "disobedient", "stubborn", or "unruly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "recalcitrant" or "non-compliant"?

Both "recalcitrant" and "non-compliant" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Recalcitrant" implies a stubborn unwillingness to obey, while "non-compliant" simply means failing to adhere to regulations or requests.

What's the difference between "recalcitrant" and "defiant"?

"Recalcitrant" implies a general resistance to authority, while "defiant" highlights a bold and open resistance. Someone "recalcitrant" might passively resist, while someone "defiant" actively challenges authority.