wayward

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm

   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.
   • 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.
2. 2

   Obstinate, contrary and unpredictable.

3. 3

   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.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      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.

The neighborhood

• synonymvagabond
• synonymvagrant