Waywardness: meaning, definitions and examples

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waywardness

 

[ ˈweɪwərdnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

behavior

The quality or state of being wayward; wayward behavior.

Synonyms

rebelliousness, stubbornness, wilfulness.

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Word Description / Examples
waywardness

Used when describing unpredictable or erratic behavior that is difficult to control or predict. This term often implies a lack of direction or purpose.

  • Her waywardness made it hard to depend on her for important tasks
rebelliousness

Appropriate when referring to behavior that actively resists authority or traditional norms. Often used in the context of adolescence or when someone is openly defiant.

  • His rebelliousness was evident when he skipped classes and challenged the school's rules
stubbornness

Best utilized when describing someone's strong determination or unwillingness to change their attitude or position, despite persuading attempts. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • Her stubbornness prevented her from considering any alternative solutions
wilfulness

Typically used to describe a strong-willed and deliberate action, often with a sense of intentionality behind it. It implies a deliberate defiance or persistence.

  • His wilfulness in pursuing his goals, despite numerous setbacks, was both admirable and frustrating

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her waywardness, often rebelling against authority.
  • His waywardness led him down a dangerous path.

Translations

Translations of the word "waywardness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgarramento

🇮🇳 अवज्ञा

🇩🇪 Ungehorsam

🇮🇩 kesesatan

🇺🇦 непослух

🇵🇱 nieposłuszeństwo

🇯🇵 反抗

🇫🇷 désobéissance

🇪🇸 desobediencia

🇹🇷 itaatsizlik

🇰🇷 불순종

🇸🇦 عصيان

🇨🇿 neposlušnost

🇸🇰 neposlušnosť

🇨🇳 不服从

🇸🇮 neposlušnost

🇮🇸 óhlýðni

🇰🇿 бағынбаушылық

🇬🇪 ურჩობა

🇦🇿 itaətsizlik

🇲🇽 desobediencia

Etymology

The word 'waywardness' originated from the Middle English 'weywardnesse', derived from 'weyward' meaning 'turned or turning in the wrong direction'. It has been used since the 14th century to describe behavior that is difficult to control or predict.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,221 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.