willful US
ˈwɪlfəl
See also: wilful (UK)
Definition Synonyms

Definition of willful - Reverso English Dictionary

Adjective

1.
intentionalUSdone intentionally or by designUS
  • Her willful decision changed everything.
deliberate intentional premeditated
2.
stubbornnessUShaving or showing a stubborn determination to do as one wantsUS
  • Her willful nature often led to clashes with authority..
headstrong obstinate
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Expressions with willful

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deliberate choice to ignore information or facts
His willful ignorance of the rules caused problems.
deliberate disregard for duties or obligations
Her willful neglect of the project led to its failure.
intentional ignorance of facts to avoid legal or moral responsibility
He practiced willful blindness to the illegal activities in his company..

Origin of willful

Old English, willa (will) + full (full)

Terms with willful included in their meaning

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crime
willful destruction or damage to property
responsibility
willful neglect of one's responsibilities
behavior
person who is stubborn or willful
legal
willful disobedience to a court's authority
religion
willful resistance to religious authority

Examples of willful in a sentence

  • The willful neglect of the rules caused issues.
  • His willful disregard for the rules was evident.
  • The willful child refused to share his toys.

View all translations of willful

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:délibéré, obstiné, ...
  2. German:absichtlich, eigensinnig, ...
  3. Italian:volontario, ostinato, ...
  4. Spanish:intencionado, obstinado, ...
  5. Portuguese:deliberado, obstinada, ...
  6. Chinese:故意的, 固执的, ...
  7. Japanese:意図的な, 頑固な, ...
  8. Arabic:مُتَعَمِّد, عَنِيد, ...
  9. Hebrew:מְכוּוָן, עַקְשָׁן, ...
  10. Russian:умышленный, упрямый, ...
  11. Ukrainian:навмисний, впертий, ...
  12. Hindi:इरादतन, जिद्दी, ...
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