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recalcitrance

/ˌrɛkəlˈsɪtrəns/ · re·cal·cis·trance
noun
  1. The quality of being stubbornly resistant to control or authority. The recalcitrance of the teenager made it difficult for her parents to discipline her.
noun
  1. A stubborn refusal to obey or comply. The recalcitrance of the employee led to his termination.

Synonyms

obstinacystubbornnessintractabilityuncooperativenessnoncompliancedefianceresistancerefusal

Antonyms

complianceobediencecooperationdocilitysubmissiveness
Did you know? The word recalcitrance is often used in academic and professional settings to describe a person's refusal to follow rules or authority.

Related terms

obstinateunyieldinginflexibleuncooperativedefiantresistantrefractory
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 2 lookups Added Jul 25, 2026