Recalcitrant

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