wayward

USAGE SUMMARY

"wayward" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is unpredictable, unruly, or uncontrollable (usually in a negative way). Example sentence: The child's wayward behavior caused great disruption in the classroom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Busby is on the brink of 60, a Scot whose considered, relentlessly specific use of words rides easily on wayward grammar.

The Guardian - Sport

The home side's half-backs Danny Care and Evans were lighting fires all over the pitch to inspire some terrific running rugby but, for once, Evans was wayward with his kicking at goal, missing three chances to stretch the lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Pepe remains a doubt, however, so Portugal may find themselves hoping that Aleksander Kerzahov reprises his hilariously wayward Euro 2012 finishing antics.

The Guardian - Sport

Assuming they play with a back four they can play Andrea Pirlo as a deep-lying playmaker (and hope his unusually wayward passing in the second leg against Madrid was a one-off) with Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio biting and snapping around him.

The Guardian - Sport

The Swans won the inside-50m count 17-4 during the quarter, but their wayward return of 4.5 meant they still trailed by 20 points at the final change.

The Guardian - Sport

Voller often managed to get on the end of these but his finishing was wayward.

The Guardian - Sport

Monzon, who had only been on the field for 15 minutes, had to go, but Voller, who had already been cautioned for a foul on Maradona, was lucky to stay on the field after catching the same player in the face with a wayward elbow.

The Guardian - Sport

There was a glimpse when the Chiefs at last gained some territory but Slade's pass to Arscott was wayward when a try was going begging.

The Guardian - Sport

Adebyaor's pass is wayward and the move breaks down.

The Guardian - Sport

The return of her wayward boyfriend causes all manner of havoc, but Danish director Bornedal's dark, Scandinavian humour adds a refreshing flourish.

The Guardian - Film

When the currency Juncker helped to create started to unravel in 2010 under the weight of a ballooning banking and sovereign debt emergency, he played a key role, for better or for worse, in the crisis management as president for eight years of the Eurogroup, the committee of eurozone finance ministers that created the instruments to save the currency and plotted a wayward route out of disaster.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing behavior, use "wayward" to imply a deliberate deviation or lack of control, especially in situations where adherence to a norm or expectation is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "wayward" to describe actions that are merely accidental or unintentional. "Wayward" implies a degree of willfulness or a tendency to stray, not just a simple error.

Linguistic Context

The word "wayward" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone that is deviating from the expected or desired course. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing unpredictable or uncontrollable behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

General

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wayward" is an adjective used to describe deviations from an expected or desired course, often implying a lack of control or a deliberate straying. Ludwig AI confirms that the word "wayward" is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, with news and sports being the most common. When using "wayward", it's important to consider the implication of willfulness or lack of control, avoiding its use for simple, unintentional mistakes. Alternatives like "unruly", "rebellious", and "errant" can offer more precise meanings depending on the context. The word's versatility makes it a valuable tool for nuanced description in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unruly

Implies a lack of discipline and control.

rebellious

Suggests active resistance to authority or convention.

errant

Indicates straying from the correct path or standards.

uncontrollable

Highlights the inability to be managed or directed.

deviant

Emphasizes a departure from accepted norms.

capricious

Focuses on unpredictable changes in mood or behavior.

undisciplined

Indicates a lack of training or self-control.

noncompliant

Highlights a failure to adhere to rules or requests.

astray

Suggests having gone off course or into error.

off course

Directly indicates a deviation from a planned route or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "wayward" in a sentence?

You can use "wayward" to describe someone or something that is unpredictable or difficult to control. For example, "The child's wayward behavior caused disruption in the classroom." or "The "wayward pass" resulted in a turnover."

What can I say instead of "wayward"?

You can use alternatives like "unruly", "rebellious", or "errant" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "wayward behavior" or "wayward behaviour"?

"Wayward behavior" is the standard spelling in American English, while "wayward behaviour" is the standard spelling in British English. Both are correct within their respective dialects.

What's the difference between "wayward" and "capricious"?

"Wayward" implies a deviation from an expected path or behavior, often suggesting willfulness or lack of control. "Capricious" emphasizes sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behavior.