/ ˈɒbstɪnət; NAmE ˈɑːb-/ adjective
1.
(often disapproving ) refusing to change your opinions, way of behaving, etc. when other people try to persuade you to; showing this
SYN stubborn :
He can be very obstinate when he wants to be!
her obstinate refusal to comply with their request
2.
[ usually before noun ] difficult to get rid of or deal with
SYN stubborn :
the obstinate problem of unemployment
an obstinate stain
► ob·stin·acy / ˈɒbstɪnəsi; NAmE ˈɑːb-/ noun [ U ]:
an act of sheer obstinacy
► ob·stin·ate·ly adverb :
He obstinately refused to consider the future.
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Latin obstinatus , past participle of obstinare persist.