recalcitrant
/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Refusing to obey rules or authority, often in a stubborn way. It is often used in formal writing.
- The teacher dealt with the recalcitrant student calmly.
- The company faced recalcitrant employees during the strike.
- Her recalcitrant attitude caused repeated delays.
Adinary Nuance
Recalcitrant is stronger and more formal than stubborn. It usually suggests active refusal to cooperate, not just ordinary headstrong behaviour. Use it in writing when someone or something resists control or rules, like a recalcitrant child, team, or problem.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ngoan cố
- Spanish
- recalcitrante
- Chinese
- 顽抗的
- Japanese
- 反抗的な
- Korean
- 반항적인
Etymology
Recalcitrant comes from Latin recalcitrant-, meaning “kicking back.” It entered English in the 17th century, first with the sense of stubborn resistance.
Common phrases
recalcitrant studentrecalcitrant behaviourrecalcitrant problemrecalcitrant employee
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is recalcitrant a formal word?
- Yes. It is quite formal and is common in writing, reports, and newspapers.
- What is the difference between recalcitrant and stubborn?
- Stubborn is more general. Recalcitrant suggests stronger resistance to authority or control.
- Can I use recalcitrant for things, not people?
- Yes. You can describe a recalcitrant problem, machine, or system.
- Is recalcitrant common in everyday speech?
- No. People usually choose simpler words like stubborn, difficult, or uncooperative.