Words / C2

ri-KALS-itr-uh-nt/rɪˈkælsɪtrənt/

Recalcitrant means stubbornly unwilling to obey or cooperate — a person, a department, even a machine. Use it instead of naughty or difficult when the resistance is wilful. In speech uncooperative or will not play ball; recalcitrant is official and journalistic.

Meaning

Unwilling to obey rules or follow instructions.

Examples

• “A few recalcitrant students ignored the deadline.”
• “A recalcitrant printer delayed the mailing.”
• “The board grew tired of recalcitrant members.”

Good to know

Stubbornly uncooperative. Everyday: defiant / uncooperative.

Near in meaning

defiant

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