stubborn

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stubborn' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is unwilling to change their opinion or determined to do something despite difficulty or opposition. For example, "He was so stubborn that he refused to change his mind even though everyone else disagreed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A wiry guy in a blue turtleneck and suède moccasins, he was equable but stubborn.

The Economist

As a way to tackle America's unusually stubborn chronic unemployment problem, Obama is expected to announce a deal with the leaders of large employers, for example, that will involve them agreeing not to discriminate against the long-term unemployed when making hiring decisions.

The Guardian

Increasingly, the German public is getting frustrated with the stubborn refusal of the crisis to resolve itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

In many ways this was actually a very defensive budget, adapting to and neutralising Labour attacks, spraying out some one nation-style quasi-egalitarian rhetoric to cover up the stubborn smell of self-serving privilege clinging to the Tory brand.

The Guardian - Opinion

The second stubborn myth, recycled on the BBC this week, is that the demise of the coal industry was simply a matter of profit and loss.

The Guardian

For the moment, however, their group of roughly 55 rebel clergy has to rely on stubborn faith.

The Guardian

"Thran" translates as stubborn or obstinate and neatly encapsulates the attitude of that tribe at the edge of the union in all matters including politics.

The Guardian

Newman seems older than 23, unsurprising given his turbulent upbringing and what he describes as his "stubborn" character.

The Guardian - Music

Sábado Gigante's interracial sketches illustrate the stubborn inequity among Latinos in the Americas: although we share a geographic region, Latinos are not one race of people.

The Guardian - Opinion

The net effect: not only are you worrying about juggling your finances and losing those stubborn extra pounds, but you're also fretting about the economy, people suffering in conflict zones, disappearing glaciers and endangered species.

The Guardian

Welcome as this is, Bayern will perhaps hope their manager spends part of the summer pondering his defensive repertoire for an occasion such as this, where the refusal to crouch behind the guard a little can become a point of stubborn principle.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stubborn", consider the nuance you wish to convey. It can imply admirable determination or frustrating inflexibility. The context is crucial to the interpretation.

Common error

While "stubborn" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced synonyms like "resolute" or "persistent" depending on the specific context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "stubborn" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe a quality of being unyielding or resistant to change, as evidenced by Ludwig examples like "stubborn refusal" or "stubborn opposition."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stubborn" is a common adjective used to describe resistance to change. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While often carrying a negative connotation, its impact depends heavily on context. When writing, remember that while easily understood, synonyms like "resolute" or "persistent" may be more suitable for formal contexts. Avoid overusing "stubborn", but leverage its specific meaning to precisely convey the intended level of determination or inflexibility. Its usage is supported by many authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obstinate

Indicates a more formal and often negative connotation of resisting change.

Intransigent

Suggests an extreme unwillingness to compromise or agree.

Obdurate

Implies being hardened and resistant to persuasion or influence.

Tenacious

Emphasizes persistence and determination, sometimes despite difficulty.

Dogged

Suggests a persistent and determined effort, often in the face of adversity.

Willful

Highlights a deliberate and determined desire to have one's own way.

Headstrong

Indicates a tendency to act impulsively and resist advice.

Adamant

Suggests an unyielding and resolute stance.

Inflexible

Highlights the inability to adapt or change one's mind.

Unyielding

Emphasizes a firm and unwavering stance, often against opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "stubborn" in a sentence?

You can use "stubborn" to describe someone unwilling to change their mind, as in, "He remained "stubborn" despite the evidence."

What is a more formal synonym for "stubborn"?

A more formal synonym for "stubborn" is "obstinate", which carries a stronger negative connotation.

What's the difference between "stubborn" and "determined"?

"Stubborn" implies resistance to change, while "determined" suggests a firm resolve to achieve a goal. The connotation of "stubborn" is often negative.

Is it correct to describe a problem as "stubborn"?

Yes, you can describe a problem as "stubborn" to indicate it is persistent and difficult to resolve, such as, "The company faces "stubborn" unemployment."