Main Entry:

way·ward

Pronunciation:

\ˈwā-wərd\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

1 : following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable <a wayward child> 2 : following no clear principle or law : unpredictable 3 : opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward <wayward fate>

synonyms see contrary

— way·ward·ly adverb

— way·ward·ness noun