wayward

[ wey-werd ]

adjective

1. turned or turning away from what is right or proper; willful; disobedient:

   a wayward son; wayward behavior.

   Synonyms: intractable, refractory, unruly, obstinate, stubborn, headstrong, contrary

2. swayed or prompted by caprice; capricious:

   a wayward impulse; to be wayward in one's affections.

3. turning or changing irregularly; irregular:

   a wayward breeze.

   Synonyms: changeable, inconstant, unsteady

wayward

/ ˈweɪwəd /

adjective

1. wanting to have one's own way regardless of the wishes or good of others
2. capricious, erratic, or unpredictable

Derived Forms

• ˈwaywardness, noun
• ˈwaywardly, adverb

Other Words From

• wayward·ly adverb
• wayward·ness noun
• un·wayward adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wayward¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; aphetic variant of awayward. See away, -ward

Word History and Origins

Origin of wayward¹

C14: changed from awayward turned or turning away

Synonym Study

See willful.

Example Sentences

Norrie's aggressive returning became more wayward as he tried to recover, meaning he was unable to apply any more serious pressure on Bonzi's serve.

From BBC

For now, there remain competing visions on what to do with the internet’s wayward teen.

From BBC

Even during her ill-fated "indie years", fans snapped up experimental and wayward songs like Confide In Me and the Nick Cave duet Where The Wild Roses Grow.

From BBC

Is he a wayward bloke who blows off bar hook-ups for client appointments that will serve as better writing fodder?

From Los Angeles Times

Bereft of social security or any protection, these women are in a constant battle with poverty, precariousness and wayward spouses.

From BBC

Related Words

• capricious
• delinquent
• errant
• erratic
• headstrong
• rebellious
• recalcitrant
• unruly