wayward

adjective
UK: /ˈweɪ.wəd/
US: /ˈweɪ.wərd/

  1. Difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior.

    1. Her wayward behavior often got her into trouble.
    2. The wayward missile veered off course, causing widespread panic among the population.

  2. Following one's own capricious, often unprincipled inclinations or desires.

    1. The wayward child refused to listen to his parents.
    2. His wayward affections led him down a path of heartbreak and regret, far from his initial dreams.

Synonyms

disobedient capricious unruly rebellious errant willful headstrong
wayward noun

  1. A wayward person.

    1. He was a wayward who never fit in.
    2. The support group was for waywards trying to find a better path in their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "wayward" in English means: Difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior., Following one's own capricious, often unprincipled inclinations or desires..

The phonetic transcription of "wayward" is /ˈweɪ.wəd/ in British English and /ˈweɪ.wərd/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "wayward": disobedient, capricious, unruly, rebellious, errant, willful, headstrong.

Example usage of "wayward": "Her wayward behavior often got her into trouble.". More examples on the page.