Vocabulary Ladder · Closed To Change
Unwilling to change
Words for someone who will not change their mind, from the word you already know to the words that sound precise and senior.
Common and informal. Usually negative.
“My son is so stubborn about homework.”
Firm can be positive. Rigid and inflexible criticise rules or plans.
“The new leave policy is too rigid.”
Very sure about one point. Often neutral.
“She was adamant that the report was correct.”
Formal and strongly negative. Used for disputes and negotiations.
“Both sides remained intransigent, so the talks ended without a deal.”
Try this
Instead of “He’s very stubborn,” try “He was adamant about the deadline.”
Levels are a guide, based on how common and formal each word is. Dictionaries sometimes place a word one level higher or lower.