recalcitrant

[ ri-kal-si-truhnt ]

adjective

1. resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory.

   Synonyms: opposed, rebellious, resistant

2. hard to deal with, manage, or operate.

noun

1. a recalcitrant person.

recalcitrant

/ rɪˈkælsɪtrənt /

adjective

1. not susceptible to control or authority; refractory

noun

1. a recalcitrant person

Derived Forms

• reˈcalcitrance, noun

Other Words From

• re·calci·trance re·calci·tran·cy noun
• nonre·calci·trance noun
• nonre·calci·tran·cy noun
• nonre·calci·trant adjective
• unre·calci·trant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recalcitrant¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from Latin recalcitrant- (stem of recalcitrāns, present participle of recalcitrāre “to kick back”), equivalent to re- re- + calcitr(āre) “to strike with the heels, kick” (derivative of calx “heel”) + -ant- -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of recalcitrant¹

C19: via French from Latin recalcitrāre , from re- + calcitrāre to kick, from calx heel

Synonym Study

See unruly.

Example Sentences

Unlike Israeli governments in the past, which sought reconciliation with a recalcitrant Palestinian leadership, the hard-right coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot make the necessary compromises to enable regional peace.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking heavenward when accepting the award for best musical revival, Friedman was pleased to let Sondheim and Furth know that their recalcitrant masterpiece is now popular.

From Los Angeles Times

Because of the ten criminal contempt charges, Trump may get a harsher sentence than he would have gotten otherwise if he hadn't been so recalcitrant.

From Salon

The state government must expand the scope and speed of land-use reforms, with all cities, including wealthy and recalcitrant enclaves, doing their part.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, the proposal the full City Council is scheduled to vote on this week only looks like it provides a way for the Ethics Commission to enlist voters against a recalcitrant council.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fractious
• obstinate
• rebellious
• unruly
• wayward