noun

waywardness

waywardness, unruliness, obstinacy

The child's waywardness was a constant challenge.

The child's waywardness was a constant challenge.

((the/sb.'s)) waywardness the state of being wayward Her waywardness worried her parents.

Synonyms: rebelliousness, unruliness, obstinacy; Antonyms: obedience, compliance

From 'way' + '-ward' (direction) + '-ness' (state). Literally, the state of going one's own way, away from the correct path.

Think of someone going 'away' from the right 'ward' (direction), following their own path stubbornly.

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