stubbornness
UK: ˈstʌbənnəs | US: ˈstʌbərnnəs
n. the quality of being unreasonably determined to refuse change or compromise; obstinacy
The word "stubbornness" combines "stubborn," derived from Middle English stoburn (likely related to Old English stybb, meaning "tree stump," metaphorically implying rigidity), with the suffix "-ness," which forms abstract nouns denoting a state or quality. The imagery of a tree stump—unyielding and hard to remove—reflects the word's core meaning of inflexibility. Over time, "stubborn" evolved to describe human behavior, and "-ness" generalized it into an enduring trait.
Her stubbornness made it impossible to negotiate a compromise.
Despite the evidence, his stubbornness kept him from admitting the mistake.
The team’s success was hindered by the manager’s stubbornness.
Stubbornness can be both a strength and a weakness.
Overcoming his stubbornness allowed him to grow personally and professionally.