Definition

The quality of being stubbornly resistant to authority or control; unwilling to obey rules or follow orders.

Example

The student's recalcitrancy made it difficult for the teacher to maintain order in the classroom.

Conversation

I was reading about how some students show recalcitrancy towards rules at school.

Yeah, I’ve seen that too; it can be frustrating for teachers.

Exactly! It makes it hard for everyone to learn and get along.

I suppose finding ways to address that recalcitrancy would help a lot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Recalcitrancy → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "calcitrare" (meaning to kick). The word describes a state of kicking back or resisting authority, hence indicating stubbornness or defiance.

Memory Tip

Think of someone kicking back ('calcitrare') against something again ('re-') — that's why recalcitrancy means resisting or being stubborn.

Visually Confused Words