obstinacy

[ ob-stuh-nuh-see ]

noun

, plural ob·sti·na·cies

1. the quality or state of being obstinate; stubbornness.
2. unyielding or stubborn adherence to one's purpose, opinion, etc.
3. stubborn persistence:

   The garrison fought on with incredible obstinacy.

4. resistance to cure, relief, or treatment, as a disease.
5. an instance of being obstinate; an obstinate act, viewpoint, etc.

obstinacy

/ ˈɒbstɪnəsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being obstinate
2. an obstinate act, attitude, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstinacy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin obstinātia, from Latin obstinātus “determined” (adjective use of past participle of obstināre “to set one's mind on, be determined”; obstinate ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

Trump’s obstinacy continued for weeks, culminating with Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump urged on an angry mob that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the election certification.

From Los Angeles Times

In a 17-page order, Judge Chushcoff said the employee “demonstrated obstinacy in her search” that led the State Patrol to move to discipline her; however, Loftis said the employee “subsequently left our employ.”

From Seattle Times

At this point I should confess I have a perverse patience for the U.S. tax code, not least because I marvel at the obstinacy of its idiom.

From New York Times

“That is not obstinacy - it is understanding that democratic majorities only make unpleasant decisions when there is no easier alternative.”

From Washington Times

“That is not obstinacy — it is understanding that democratic majorities only make unpleasant decisions when there is no easier alternative.”

From Seattle Times