Vocabulary
Stubborn meaning: use, tone, and helpful alternatives
Sign in to saveThe wind will not move a stuck window, even when you push it. The window is stubborn. When a person refuses to change their mind after a useful discussion, stubborn can describe that too.
Use stubborn for a person or thing that resists change, and choose determined or firm when you mean steady effort rather than refusal.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
stubborn /ˈstʌb.ən/
The short answer
Stubborn means unwilling to change an opinion, plan, or action, even when other people try to persuade you.
Noah was stubborn and would not change the meeting time, although everyone else was available later.
Why it works: The sentence focuses on Noah's refusal to change a plan after other people gave a practical reason.
3 more examples
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Leila was stubborn about taking the bus and would not consider the safer route home.
Leila refuses to reconsider a choice even after a reason to change it is offered.
Not this:Leila
was firm abouttaking the bus and explained that she had already bought a ticket. What changes: Firm can describe a clear decision with a reason. Stubborn suggests that the speaker sees the refusal to change as unreasonable or unhelpful. -
The manager was determined to finish the report before Friday.
Determined describes focused effort toward a goal. It does not say that the manager ignored useful advice.
Not this:The manager
was stubborn aboutusing an old format after the team showed a clearer one. What changes: Stubborn fits because the manager rejects a useful change rather than simply working hard. -
A stubborn jar lid would not open until Priya used a cloth for a better grip.
Stubborn can describe an object that resists movement or does not respond easily.
Not this:
A broken jar lidwould not open because the thread was damaged. What changes: Broken names a fault. Stubborn gives the object a human-like quality of resisting an effort.
Read the full guide
Use stubborn when resistance to change is the main idea. Use determined when someone keeps working toward a goal, especially when the sentence does not include a refusal to listen or adapt.
Start with resistance to change
Stubborn tells us that a person, object, or situation resists an attempt to change it. With people, the word often points to a refusal to listen, compromise, or try another plan. The resistance matters more than the original opinion.
The child was stubborn and kept wearing wet shoes after her father offered dry ones.
Notice the speaker's tone
The same action can sound different when you choose stubborn or determined. A determined runner continues training for a race. A stubborn runner refuses to rest after an injury despite sensible advice. The second sentence adds criticism because the refusal may cause a problem.
Determined describes effort toward a goal. Stubborn describes resistance to a change, request, or suggestion.
Use common sentence patterns
Put stubborn before a noun or after a linking verb. You can say a stubborn habit, a stubborn customer, or the customer was stubborn. To add the topic, use stubborn about or stubborn over: He was stubborn about the budget. You can also use too stubborn to: She was too stubborn to ask for directions.
They were too stubborn to check the instructions before assembling the shelf.
Describe objects and problems too
English also uses stubborn for things that are difficult to move, remove, solve, or cure. A stubborn stain stays after several washes. A stubborn technical problem returns after a simple fix. This is a figurative use, so the object does not have an opinion.
The technician found a stubborn error in the settings and fixed it after checking each step.
Choose a more precise alternative
Choose determined when you want to praise effort. Choose firm when a person has a clear position and can explain it. Choose reluctant when someone does not want to act but may agree later. Choose inflexible when a rule or plan cannot adapt. These words make the reason and tone clearer.
Sam practises the piano every day because he wants to play in a concert. He accepts advice from his teacher. Is stubborn the best description?
No. Determined fits better because Sam is working steadily and listening to useful guidance. Stubborn would suggest that he refuses a change or ignores a reasonable request.
Before you go
Remember this
Use stubborn for resistance to change, whether it comes from a person, an object, or a problem. Use determined for focused effort toward a goal and firm for a clear decision supported by a reason.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
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Try the written questionsQuestions about "Stubborn meaning: use, tone, and helpful alternatives"
What does stubborn mean?
Stubborn means unwilling to change an opinion, decision, or action, even after another person gives a reason to consider a different choice.
Leila was stubborn about taking the bus and would not consider the safer route home.
Is stubborn positive or negative?
Stubborn often sounds critical because it can suggest an unhelpful refusal to listen or adapt. In a friendly context it can suggest persistence, although determined is clearer praise.
Leila was firm about taking the bus and explained that she had already bought a ticket.
What is the difference between stubborn and determined?
Determined describes focused effort toward a goal. Stubborn describes resistance to changing a view or plan, especially when the speaker thinks a change would be sensible.
The manager was determined to finish the report before Friday.
Can stubborn describe an object?
Yes. English can describe a jar lid, stain, lock, or problem as stubborn when it is difficult to move, remove, open, or solve.
The manager was stubborn about using an old format after the team showed a clearer one.
How do you pronounce stubborn?
Say STUB-uhn, with the strongest stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is short and does not sound like the word born.
A stubborn jar lid would not open until Priya used a cloth for a better grip.