Word · CEFR C2 · Frequency #13952
wayward
/ˈweiwəd/
adjective
任性的；倔强的；不服管束的
resistant to guidance or discipline
- 1.
Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.
任性、偏离预期规范的；倾向于偏离
- 2.
Obstinate, contrary and unpredictable.
固执、反对和不可预测的
- 3.
Not on target.
不在目标上
任性、偏离预期规范的；倾向于偏离；固执、反对和不可预测的；不在目标上；任性的；难以捉摸的
In use
The teacher tried to help the wayward student, but he refused to listen.
The wayward puppy ignored every command and ran into the street.
After years of wayward behavior, he finally settled down and took responsibility.
be wayward
The child has always been wayward.
这个孩子一直很任性。
become wayward
After the incident, his behavior became wayward.
那件事之后，他的行为变得难以捉摸。
Common mistakes
He is a wayword child.He is a wayward child.
Connections
Collocations
- wayward child
- 任性的孩子
- The wayward child refused to follow the rules.那个任性的孩子拒绝遵守规则。
- wayward behavior
- 任性的行为
- His wayward behavior worried his parents.他任性的行为让父母担忧。
- wayward thoughts
- 杂念；胡思乱想
- She tried to concentrate, but wayward thoughts kept distracting her.她试图集中注意力，但杂念总是让她分心。
- wayward shot
- 偏离目标的射门
- The striker's wayward shot soared into the crowd.前锋那脚偏离目标的射门飞进了人群。
- wayward wind
- 变幻莫测的风
- The wayward wind scattered the papers across the yard.变幻莫测的风把文件吹得满院子都是。
Pop culture & quotes
Learner notes
Memory Tip
记忆联想：way（路）+ ward（朝向）→ 心里只朝自己选的路走，不顾别人，任性倔强。
Context & Register
语域：formal 常见场景：literary prose、formal writing about behavior 该词多用于书面语或文学作品，描述人或行为任性、倔强、难以控制；语气较正式，日常口语中较少使用。
Pronunciation & Spelling
没有常用词与 wayward 完全押韵。以下以 -ward 结尾的词拼写相似，但元音不同；away 虽含相同的 /weɪ/ 音，也不押韵。
Usage priority
Collins 词频等级为 1，建议结合例句记忆，而不是只背中文释义。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, OCTANOVE, WIKTIONARY.