WordGarden.iowillful
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɪlfəl/
US
- /ˈwɪlfəl/
Meanings
Adjective
stubbornly determined to do what one wants despite advice or control
done intentionally and knowingly, often with conscious disregard
Beyond the definition
A willful child does not just disobey; they do it on purpose and keep doing it even when someone tells them to stop. The word usually suggests a strong mind that can feel admirable or very frustrating, depending on the situation. Picture a little girl who insists on wearing her rain boots to the park on a sunny day. She is not confused or careless. She has simply decided, and no one is going to change her mind. The word can also describe actions that are intentional, especially when they break rules. A willful disregard for safety, for example, means someone knew better but chose not to care.
The word "willful" describes a person, attitude, or action shaped by strong intention and often by stubborn resistance. It is stronger than simply saying someone made a choice. It suggests that the person knows what others expect, advice has been given, and yet they still go their own way. Imagine a horse refusing to jump over an obstacle, not because it cannot, but because it has decided not to. That is a classic picture of willful behavior.
When used about people, "willful" often describes someone who is hard to guide or control because they are very set on what they want. A willful child may ignore instructions, argue, or keep pushing for their own way. In some contexts, this strong-minded quality can sound impressive, especially if it shows independence or courage. More often, though, the word carries a negative shade. It suggests stubbornness, disobedience, or a refusal to listen.
The word is also common for actions, especially actions done knowingly and on purpose. A willful lie, a willful refusal, or a willful violation is not accidental. In legal or formal English, "willful" often points to deliberate wrongdoing or conscious neglect, as in "willful misconduct" or "willful damage." In those cases, the idea is that the person understood what they were doing and did it anyway.
At its core, "willful" is tied to the idea of the will: intention, choice, and desire. That is why the word often feels vivid in stories. It captures the moment when someone is not merely mistaken or careless, but actively choosing a path and refusing to turn away from it. Whether the result is brave, foolish, or plainly wrong, the word suggests purposeful action with a stubborn edge.
Examples
- 1
Childhood temperament
Even as a child, Maya was willful and hated being told what to do.
- 2
Pet training
The puppy is sweet, but his willful streak makes training difficult.
- Phrasewillful streak
a habit of resisting control
- 3
Deliberate choice
His absence wasn't an accident; it was a willful decision to ignore the meeting.
- 4
Corporate safety
The report accused the company of willful disregard for basic safety rules.
- Phrasewillful disregard
a deliberate decision not to care about something
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public debate
Some people treat climate change as if it were a matter of opinion, but that kind of willful ignorance has real costs.
- Phrasewillful ignorance
choosing not to learn or notice something
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- willful misconduct
- willful neglect
- willful ignorance
Word family
- willfully
- willfulness
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- willfuladjective