Wayward: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where someone is unpredictable and difficult to control or guide, often going off course or acting on unexpected whims.

• Her wayward behavior worried her parents
• The project's wayward progress led to delays

Use when talking about someone who is determined to do what they want, regardless of the consequences, often implying a deliberate choice or intention to do something.

• Her wilful disregard for the rules got her into trouble
• He was wilful in pursuing his own path, despite his parents' objections

Use when describing someone or something that is difficult to control or manage, often behaving in a disorderly or disruptive manner. This word usually has a negative implication.

• The teacher struggled with the unruly class
• His unruly hair always stuck out in all directions

Use when someone is determined to do what they want, even if it is unreasonable or against advice. This often implies stubbornness and a lack of willingness to compromise.

• Despite the risks, he was headstrong in his decision to continue
• She was known for her headstrong personality, often clashing with her peers

Use in contexts involving resistance to authority or tradition. This word often has a strong negative connotation suggesting defiance or disobedience.

• Teenagers are often rebellious during adolescence
• The rebellious group organized a protest against the new policy

Use to describe someone who is unyielding and inflexible, unwilling to change their mind or behavior, even when it might be reasonable to do so.

• He's very stubborn and won't admit when he's wrong
• Her stubborn refusal to apologize made the situation worse

Used to describe someone who is difficult to control or behaves unpredictably, often with a negative connotation.

• The wayward teenager often skipped classes and refused to follow the rules

Describes irregular or inconsistent actions or movements, often causing confusion or unpredictability.

• The car’s erratic movements on the road signaled that the driver might be in trouble

Used generally to describe anything that cannot be predicted or foreseen.

• The weather in that region is so unpredictable; it might rain one minute and be sunny the next

Implies unpredictable and sudden changes in mood or behavior, often without a clear reason.

• Her capricious decisions at work made it hard for her colleagues to keep up

Conveys a sense of playful, fanciful, or imaginative behavior or ideas, often in a positive light.

• The whimsical design of the garden fascinated everyone who visited it

Refers to someone who frequently changes loyalties, interests, or feelings, often considered unreliable.

• His fickle nature made it difficult for anyone to depend on him