mulish
UK: ˈmjuːlɪʃ | US: ˈmjuːlɪʃ
adj. stubborn or obstinate like a mule
adj. unreasonably inflexible
The word "mulish" derives from "mule," the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a horse, long stereotyped for its stubbornness. The suffix "-ish" (from Old English "-isc") is added to nouns to form adjectives meaning "resembling" or "having the characteristics of." Thus, "mulish" literally means "like a mule," emphasizing unyielding stubbornness. The term first appeared in English in the early 18th century, reflecting the animal's enduring symbolic association with obstinacy.
His mulish refusal to compromise frustrated the entire team.
She gave a mulish shake of her head when asked to reconsider.
The child’s mulish behavior made bedtime a nightly struggle.
Despite evidence, he clung to his mulish opinion.
Negotiations stalled due to the CEO’s mulish stance on the issue.