[way.ward] adj [ME, short for awayward turned away, fr. away, adv. + -ward] (14c) 1: following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations: ungovernable
2: following no clear principle or law: unpredictable
3: opposite to what is desired or expected: untoward "~ fate" syn see contrary -- way.ward.ly adv -- way.ward.ness n