stubborn

adjective

stub·​born ˈstə-bərn 

1

a(1)

: unreasonably or perversely unyielding : mulish

(2)

: justifiably unyielding : resolute

b

: suggestive or typical of a strong stubborn nature

a stubborn jaw

2

: performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate, or persistent manner

stubborn effort

3

: difficult to handle, manage, or treat

a stubborn cold

4

: lasting

stubborn facts

stubbornly adverb

stubbornness

ˈstə-bər(n)-nəs 

noun

Did you know?

Stubborn as a Mule (Or Some Other Animal)

Most of us are familiar with the expression stubborn as a mule, which some feel is unfair to this hybrid animal. In fairness to the mule, let us look at some of the other animals that the English language has seen fit to equate with stubbornness over the years. John Wolcot wrote of being “as stubborn as a halter’d ram.” In the 19th century satirical work The Family of the Seisers, a character is described as being “as stubborn as a dog-fish.” And a character in Maria Edgeworth’s play Love and Law describes her own hair as “stubborn as a Presbyterian.” These curious phrases are, however, exceptional: the mule is by far the most commonly referenced animal when describing stubbornness. We have been using as stubborn as a mule since at least 1771, when the expression appears in Tobias Smollett’s The Expedition of Humphry Clinker.

Synonyms

• obstinate
• adamant
• hardheaded
• headstrong
• steadfast
• intransigent

Choose the Right Synonym for stubborn

obstinate, dogged, stubborn, pertinacious, mulish mean fixed and unyielding in course or purpose.

obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

Examples of stubborn in a Sentence

Louise was not the first to posit the idea of a miniature horse ancestral to the Arab; but she was the only one stubborn enough to prove it. —Jason Elliot, Mirrors of the Unseen, 2006

To remove stubborn price tags from items like dishes and glassware, I use a cotton pad or Q-tip soaked with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol dissolves the sticky glue and doesn't mess up my manicure. —Kathe Palmucci, Real Simple, April 2003

In the search for strategies to deal with the stubborn and deadly problem of driving under the influence, many cops are turning to an unusual tactic: Recruiting volunteer drinkers and drug users to teach officers to recognize impaired drivers. —Russell Gold, Wall Street Journal, 29 Oct. 2002

She's wrong, but she's too stubborn to admit it.

I admire his stubborn refusal to quit.

trying to treat a stubborn infection

Recent Examples on the Web

If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025

But Minnesota is an outlier here, and as was the case with those stubborn Sunday blue laws, sports gambling will eventually win out in Minnesota. —John Shipley, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025

Month over month, that would be the same stubborn pace that has persisted for more than two years. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025

Results show that microbial iron mining can immobilize toxic metals and convert stubborn pollutants into less harmful compounds. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stibourne, stuborn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing stubborn

• (as) stubborn as a mule
• stubborn streak

Kids Definition

stubborn

adjective

stub·​born ˈstəb-ərn 

1

a

: hard to convince, persuade, or move

stubborn as a mule

b

: having or characterized by a firm idea or purpose : determined

stubborn courage

2

: done or continued in a firm and determined manner

stubborn refusal

3

: difficult to handle, manage, or treat

stubborn hair

stubbornly adverb

stubbornness

-ərn-(n)əs 

noun