Recalcitrant

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Recalcitrant?

adjective
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/
UK pronunciation: /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/
Slow pronunciation: rih-KAL-sih-trunt

Meaning Explained

Recalcitrant characterizes stubborn resistance — a willful refusal to comply, often despite pressure, rules, or reason.

Why This Word?

Chosen to explore the line between principled defiance and mere obstinacy — a frequent tension in history and daily life.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • A recalcitrant faction blocked the reform for months.
  • The recalcitrant software bug resisted every fix.
  • Teachers struggled with a few recalcitrant students who ignored the rules.

Word Origins

Latin recalcitrare “to kick back,” from re- (back) + calcitrare (to kick)

Originally used for animals that kicked against restraint; extended to people and institutions.

First appearance in English: early 19th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: recalcitrance

    His recalcitrance derailed the negotiations.

  • Adjective: defiant

    Her defiant tone made compromise difficult.

  • Adjective: intractable

    They faced an intractable set of problems.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: recalcitrante
  • French: récalcitrant
  • German: widerspenstig
  • Italian: recalcitrante
  • Portuguese: recalcitrante

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Obstinate

Both resist; “obstinate” is general stubbornness, “recalcitrant” resists authority.

Insubordinate

Specifically about defying superiors; “recalcitrant” is broader.

Reluctant

“Reluctant” is hesitant; “recalcitrant” actively refuses.

Fun Facts

  • The Latin root evokes a literal “kicking back,” which survives in the metaphor of balking against control.
  • In management literature, “recalcitrant” teams are case studies in change resistance.

Cultural Usage

  • Courts may sanction recalcitrant parties who defy discovery orders.
  • Recalcitrant provinces resisted central authority for decades.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes confused with “reluctant,” which means hesitant; “recalcitrant” means actively resistant.

Micro Story

The recalcitrant witness refused to answer even the simplest questions.