Recalcitrant
Teenagers, mules, and legacy software that refuses the update all earn the same stubborn badge without needing to be villains.
Learn This WordMeaning
Stubbornly resistant to authority or control; unwilling to obey or comply.
Memory trick
Think "RECAL-CITRANT" = "RE (back) CALCI (kick) TRANT", kicking back against authority. Recalcitrant = stubbornly resistant.
Examples
The recalcitrant student refused to follow classroom rules.
The government struggled with recalcitrant provinces.
His recalcitrant attitude made him difficult to work with.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin recalcitrans "kicking back," from recalcitrare "to kick back," from re- "back" + calcitrare "to kick."
Usage Notes
Describes stubborn resistance to authority or control. Used in educational, political, and organizational contexts.
Real-life contexts
Describe resistance: "The recalcitrant group refused to cooperate."
Use in education: "The recalcitrant student needed intervention."
Discuss challenges: "Managing recalcitrant employees is difficult."
Common Mistakes
Recalcitrant implies active resistance, not just passive non-compliance.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
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