Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Recalcitrant
adjective / noun
/ reh-KAL-sih-trant /
Hard
Meaning
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline; stubbornly refusing to comply
Origin / Etymology
Latin recalcitrare (to kick back) — re (back) + calcitrare (to kick) — from calx (heel)
Synonyms
Obstinate
Intractable
Defiant
Refractory
Unruly
Antonyms
Compliant
Cooperative
Amenable
Docile
Example Sentence
"International climate negotiators struggled to bring recalcitrant oil-producing nations into a binding agreement on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Powerful descriptive word for GS2 (IR, governance) and Essay. Use for states that refuse international law compliance, legislative minorities blocking reform, or institutions resisting accountability. Distinct from 'rebellious' — recalcitrant implies persistent non-cooperation, not open revolt.
Relevant Subjects