Recalcitrant: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：stubbornly disobedient (recalcitrant)

recalcitrant 🔊

/rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/

adj.

Describing someone or something that is stubbornly refusing to obey or be controlled.

Recalcitrant child illustration showing stubborn defiance and refusal to cooperate in a classroom setting.

stubbornly disobedient 🔊

➕

/ˈstʌbənli ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiənt/

adj.

Used to describe a person, animal, or even a thing (like a problem) that is very difficult to manage because they openly resist authority, control, or guidance.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 're-' (back, again) + 'calx' (heel). Literally 'kick back with the heel', now meaning stubbornly resistant.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: REfuse to CALculate the new RATe. A recalcitrant employee refuses to follow the new accounting rule.

📖 Example

The recalcitrant puppy refused to take its medicine, turning its head away every time. 🔊 The stubbornly disobedient puppy refused to take its medicine, turning its head away every time.

🔗 Collocations

recalcitrant child – A child who is stubbornly defiant and uncooperative.

recalcitrant attitude – A mindset characterized by obstinate non-compliance.

recalcitrant behavior – Actions that show a willful refusal to obey rules or orders.

🔄 Synonyms

obstinate (adj.) – Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.

intransigent (adj.) – Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.

defiant (adj.) – Showing open resistance or bold disobedience.

🚫 Antonyms

compliant (adj.) – Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.

obedient (adj.) – Complying or willing to comply with orders or requests.

tractable (adj.) – Easy to control or influence.

🌱 Derivatives

recalcitrance (n.) – The state of being recalcitrant; stubborn defiance.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from the act of a horse or mule kicking back with its heels ('recalcitrare' in Latin) to resist its rider or handler. This vivid image of physical defiance evolved into its modern meaning of obstinate refusal to obey authority, a common theme in discussions of governance, management, and education.