Dictionary

obstinacy

noun ob·sti·na·cy \ˈäb-stə-nə-sē\

plural ob·sti·na·cies

Definition of OBSTINACY

a : the quality or state of being obstinate : stubbornness

b : the quality or state of being difficult to remedy, relieve, or subdue <the obstinacy of tuberculosis>

: an instance of being obstinate

See obstinacy defined for kids

14th century

Synonyms: bullheadedness, doggedness, hardheadedness, intransigence, mulishness, obduracy, obdurateness, obstinateness, opinionatedness, pertinaciousness, pertinacity, pigheadedness, self-opinionatedness, self-will, stubbornness, willfulness

Medical Dictionary

noun ob·sti·na·cy \ˈäb-stə-nə-sē\

plural ob·sti·na·cies

: the quality or state of being obstinate <the obstinacy of tuberculosis>

Next Word in the Dictionary: obstinancePrevious Word in the Dictionary: obstetricsAll Words Near: obstinacy

What made you want to look up obstinacy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears