wayward

adjective way·ward \ˈwā-wərd\

: tending to behave in ways that are not socially acceptable

: not going or moving in the intended direction

Full Definition of WAYWARD

: following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable <a wayward child>

: following no clear principle or law : unpredictable

: opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward <wayward fate>

— way·ward·ly adverb

— way·ward·ness noun

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Origin of WAYWARD

Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to WAYWARD

Synonyms: balky, contrary, contumacious, defiant, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, recusant, refractory, restive, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, disobedient, willful (or wilful)

Antonyms: amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable

Synonym Discussion of WAYWARD

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>.

WAYWARD Defined for Kids