Wayward Meaning
/ˈweɪwə(ɹ)d/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjGiven to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.
adjObstinate, contrary and unpredictable.
Sentence Examples
The father had trouble communicating with his wayward son.
The wayward son has returned.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher struggled to manage the ____ student who refused to sit still.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The novel tells a story about a ____ youth who decides to leave home and seek several many adventures today.
Word Origin & History
Shortening of away + -ward.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He is a brilliant fellow when he chooses to work—one of the brightest intellects of the University, but he is wayward, dissipated, and unprincipled."
— 1904 June, A[rthur] Conan Doyle, “The Adventure of the Three Students”, in The Return of Sherlock Holmes, New York, N.Y.: McClure, Phillips & Co., published February 1905, →OCLC:
"Fancies are like shadows . . . you can’t cage them, they’re such wayward, dancing things."
— 1909 September, L[ucy] M[aud] Montgomery, “The Pointing of Duty”, in Anne of Avonlea, Boston, Mass.: L[ouis] C[oues] Page & Company, →OCLC, page 66:
"The Ig Nobel awards are arguably the highlight of the scientific calendar. The prizes, which are the wayward son of the more righteous Nobels, are supposed to reward research that makes people laugh, then think."
— 2004 October 1, Helen Pilcher, “Laughter in the lab”, in Nature, →DOI:
"Bulgaria's only attacking weapon was the wayward shooting of Martin Petrov, whereas England's attacking options were awash with movement in the shape of Rooney, Young and Walcott."
— 2011 September 2, Phil McNulty, “Bulgaria 0-3 England”, in BBC:
"the wild, half-starved youth whom we style incorrigibles, delinquents, and waywards"
— 1908 September 3, “The Real Lindsey”, in Journal of Education:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher struggled to manage the ____ student who refused to sit still.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The novel tells a story about a ____ youth who decides to leave home and seek several many adventures today.