adj.
Pronunciation: ' w ā -w ə rd
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward
Date: 14th century
1 : following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : UNGOVERNABLE <a wayward child>
2 : following no clear principle or law : UNPREDICTABLE
3 : opposite to what is desired or expected : UNTOWARD < wayward fate>
synonyms see CONTRARY
– way · ward · ly adverb
– way · ward · ness noun