wilfulness

Everyday

1. Being determined to do what you want, even when told not to; stubbornness. tree →
2. (formal, law) Doing something on purpose, knowing it is wrong. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and old books: a child's wilfulness gets them into trouble. In law and formal language: wilful damage means damage done on purpose. Tells the reader the person is stubborn or acted deliberately.

Examples

• The princess's wilfulness made her run away from the palace. tree →
• His wilfulness meant he would never listen to advice. tree →
• The judge noted the wilfulness of the damage. tree →
• The pony's wilfulness made it hard to ride. tree →
• Her wilfulness sometimes helped her win, too. tree →
• Parents found the toddler's wilfulness tiring. tree →

Note

Spelt «wilfulness» in the UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Canada; «willfulness» in the USA. Adjective: wilful/willful. Formal or bookish; everyday: «stubbornness».