Recalcitrance: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a stubborn, resistant attitude towards authority or control, often in a formal or bureaucratic setting.

• Despite repeated warnings, the employee's recalcitrance led to disciplinary action
• The recalcitrance of the country's leadership hindered diplomatic progress

Often used to describe openly hostile or bold resistance, especially against established norms or authority. Can have a rebellious or courageous connotation depending on the context.

• Her defiance in the face of injustice inspired many
• The students' defiance against the unfair policies was evident during the protest

Refers to a stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or course of action, despite good reasons to do so. Generally has a negative connotation of unreasonableness.

• His obstinacy in refusing any compromise caused the negotiations to fail
• The child's obstinacy about eating vegetables frustrated his parents

Used to describe active resistance and uprising against authority, often in a political or social context. It suggests a more organized and collective action.

• The rebellion against the corrupt government quickly gained momentum
• She joined the rebellion to fight for the rights of her community

Use when describing someone or something that is actively resisting authority or control, often in a defiant or rebellious manner.

• The student's recalcitrance towards the new school rules frustrated the teachers
• The government's recalcitrance in addressing the issue led to widespread protests

Describes a person's unwillingness to change their attitude or position on something, even in the face of good reasons to do so; it also carries a negative connotation but is more commonly used in everyday language.

• Her stubbornness made it difficult to convince her to try new things
• The dog's stubbornness when it came to learning new tricks was frustrating

Refers to a person's persistent determination to stick to their own ideas or desires, often without considering others' opinions; it has a negative connotation.

• His obstinacy in refusing to ask for directions led to hours of being lost
• The team failed to meet its goals because of one member's obstinacy

Suitable for describing situations or problems that are difficult to manage, deal with, or solve.

• The intractability of the software bug delayed the project's completion
• Her intractability in negotiating terms made the deal fall through