adj.
Pronunciation: ' st ə -b ə rn
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English stibourne, stuborn
Date: 14th century
1 a (1) : unreasonably or perversely unyielding : MULISH (2) : justifiably unyielding : RESOLUTE b : suggestive or typical of a strong stubborn nature <a stubborn jaw>
2 : performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate, or persistent manner < stubborn effort>
3 : difficult to handle, manage, or treat <a stubborn cold>
4 : LASTING < stubborn facts>
synonyms see OBSTINATE
– stub · born · ly adverb
– stub · born · ness \ -b ə r(n)-n ə s \ noun