Definitions for stubbornˈstʌb ərn

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

stub•born^*ˈstʌb ərn(adj.)

unreasonably or perversely obstinate; unyielding.
fixed or set in purpose or opinion; resolute.
obstinately maintained, as a course of action:
stubborn resistance.
difficult to handle, treat, etc.:
a stubborn pain.

^* Syn: stubborn , obstinate , dogged , persistent imply fixity of purpose or condition and resistance to change. stubborn and obstinate both imply resistance to advice, entreaty, protest, or force; but stubborn implies an innate characteristic and is the term usu. used when referring to inanimate things: a stubborn child; a stubborn lock; an obstinate customer. dogged implies willfulness and tenacity, esp. in the face of obstacles: dogged determination. persistent implies having staying or lasting qualities, resoluteness, and perseverance: persistent questioning.

Origin of stubborn:

1350–1400; ME stiborn(e), styborne, stuborn, of uncert. orig.

stub′born•ness(n.)

Princeton's WordNet

stubborn, obstinate, unregenerate(adj)
tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
refractory, stubborn(adj)
not responding to treatment
"a stubborn infection"; "a refractory case of acne"; "stubborn rust stains"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

stubborn(adjective)ˈstʌb ərn
refusing to change an opinion or decision
She can be very stubborn.; his stubborn belief that change is not good
stubbornˈstʌb ərn
difficult to stop or fix
a stubborn cough; a stubborn stain; They stubbornly refuse to apologize.; stubbornly high food prices; His stubbornness finally got him into trouble.

Wiktionary

stubborn(Adjective)
Refusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting.

Webster Dictionary

Stubborn(adj)
firm as a stub or stump; stiff; unbending; unyielding; persistent; hence, unreasonably obstinate in will or opinion; not yielding to reason or persuasion; refractory; harsh; -- said of persons and things; as, stubborn wills; stubborn ore; a stubborn oak; as stubborn as a mule