Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈfrəʊərdnəs/
KK: /ˈfroʊərdnəs/
Definition
The quality of being difficult to deal with or contrary in behavior.
Example
Her frowardness made it hard for the team to work together effectively.
Conversation

Have you noticed how much frowardness there is in the way some people respond to feedback?

Yeah, it can be really frustrating when they just refuse to listen.

Exactly! I think a little openness could go a long way.

For sure, being less froward would help everyone communicate better.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
obstinacy
stubbornness
perversity
Antonyms
compliance
obedience
docility
Root Explanation
Frowardness is formed from "froward" (from Old English "forweard", meaning contrary or perverse) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the state of being contrary or difficult to deal with.
Memory Tip
Think of 'froward' meaning contrary or difficult, and remember that 'frowardness' refers to the quality of being difficult or contrary.
Visually Confused Words
forwardness
towardness
onwardness
cowardness
outwardness
rowdiness
fromwards
broadness