Recalcitrant: meaning, definitions and examples

🤨
Add to dictionary

recalcitrant

 

[ rɪˈkælsɪtrənt ]

Context #1

behavior

Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude towards authority or discipline.

Synonyms

defiant, obstinate, stubborn, uncooperative

Examples of usage

  • He was a recalcitrant child who refused to follow any rules.
  • The recalcitrant employee refused to attend the mandatory training sessions.
  • She was known for her recalcitrant behavior towards her supervisors.
Context #2

person

A person with a stubborn and uncooperative attitude.

Synonyms

maverick, rebel, troublemaker

Examples of usage

  • The teacher had a hard time dealing with the recalcitrants in the class.
  • He was labeled as a recalcitrant due to his constant defiance.

Translations

Translations of the word "recalcitrant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recalcitrante

🇮🇳 अडियल

🇩🇪 widerspenstig

🇮🇩 karewel

🇺🇦 непокірний

🇵🇱 krnąbrny

🇯🇵 反抗的な

🇫🇷 récalcitrant

🇪🇸 recalcitrante

🇹🇷 inatçı

🇰🇷 반항적인

🇸🇦 عنيد

🇨🇿 nepoddajný

🇸🇰 nepoddajný

🇨🇳 顽强的

🇸🇮 nepokoren

🇮🇸 þrjóskur

🇰🇿 қырсық

🇬🇪 არამორჩილი

🇦🇿 inadkar

🇲🇽 recalcitrante

Word origin

The word 'recalcitrant' originated from the Latin word 'recalcitrare', which means 'to kick back'. It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe people or animals who resist control or authority. Over time, it has come to be commonly used to refer to individuals who are defiant, stubborn, or uncooperative.