wayward
adjective
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L342468 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈweɪwə(ɹ)d/
adj
Etymology: Shortening of away + -ward.
- Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.
“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.”
“Fancies are like shadows . . . you can’t cage them, they’re such wayward, dancing things.”
- Obstinate, contrary and unpredictable.
- Not on target.
“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.”
noun
Etymology: Shortening of away + -ward.
- Someone, especially a young woman or girl, who is wayward.
“the wild, half-starved youth whom we style incorrigibles, delinquents, and waywards”
“The girls classed as first offenders and waywards gave a higher intelligence quotient than the others.”