Wayward meaning. Learn more. Learn more about this old-fashioned adjective, its synonyms and how to use it in sentences from the Cambridge English Corpus. Disposed to go against the wishes or advice of others or what is proper or reasonable; intractable; self-willed; perverse; (of a child) disobedient… Contrary to what is usual, expected, or logical; back-to-front, muddled, perverse. adj. If you describe a person or their behavior as wayward, you mean that they behave in a selfish, bad, or unpredictable way, and are difficult to control. wayward children with a history of severe emotional problems. Wayward, stubborn; impudent; petulant. WAYWARD definition: behaving badly in a way that causes trouble for other people. wayward synonyms, wayward pronunciation, wayward translation, English dictionary definition of wayward. WAYWARD meaning: 1 : tending to behave in ways that are not socially acceptable; 2 : not going or moving in the intended direction Definition of wayward adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. WAYWARD meaning: 1 : tending to behave in ways that are not socially acceptable; 2 : not going or moving in the intended direction Define wayward. Wayward means disobedient, capricious, or unpredictable. Wayward means doing only what you want and often changing your behaviour in a way that is difficult to control. Find synonyms, antonyms, examples, and the origin of the word. Find the origin, usage, and examples of wayward and its related words in this comprehensive online dictionary. way•ward (wā′ wərd), adj. The meaning of WAYWARD is following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable. How to use wayward in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Wayward. Definition of wayward adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. See examples of wayward used in a sentence. Learn the meaning of wayward, an adjective that describes someone or something that is disobedient, unpredictable, or erratic. turned or turning away from what is right or proper; willful; disobedient: a wayward son; wayward behavior. Deviating from what is desired, expected, or required, especially in being disobedient or in gratifying one's own inclinations: "a teacher taking Wayward definition: Deviating from what is desired, expected, or required, especially in being disobedient or in gratifying one's own inclinations. Literally, it hinted at someone who deviates from their intended path or guidance. turning or changing irregularly; irregular: a wayward breeze. 1. Definition of wayward adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. . "disposed to go counter to what is right," shortening of aweiward "turned away;" see way… See origin and meaning of wayward. swayed or prompted by caprice; capricious: a wayward impulse; to be wayward in one's affections. wayward meaning, definition, what is wayward: behaving badly, in a way that is difficu: Learn more. WAYWARD definition: turned or turning away from what is right or proper; willful; disobedient. Over time, it evolved into describing rebellious or uncontrollable characters or behaviors. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. wayward: Deviating from what is desired, expected, or required, especially in being disobedient or in gratifying one's own inclinations. Aug 20, 2025 · Origin of "Wayward" "Wayward" originated in Middle English, combining "way" (meaning course or direction) with "ward" (meaning "guard" or "protector"). agcomg fpf jobaq puxieft mmnl hotn ozrf vuions hvoplit dnwwq