indocility

indocility

A young child displays indocility by refusing to put on his coat.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The quality of being unteachable or unruly: "indocility" refers to a stubborn or defiant disposition that resists instruction, discipline, or guidance. It implies a lack of willingness to be taught or controlled.
Usage Examples
  • (The student's stubbornness and resistance to instruction made teaching difficult.)
  • (Her unmanageable and defiant attitude caused problems with authority.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to display indocility": to show unwillingness to obey or learn.

    • The horse's indocility made it impossible to train for riding. (The horse's stubbornness prevented training.)

  • "a spirit of indocility": a persistent attitude of defiance or unruliness.

    • The prisoner's spirit of indocility resulted in extended solitary confinement. (His defiant attitude led to punishment.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Indocile (adj): unwilling to be taught or disciplined; unruly.

    • The indocile puppy chewed through every leash. (The untrainable puppy destroyed all restraints.)

  • Docility (n): the quality of being easily taught or managed (opposite of indocility).

    • The dog's docility made it a favourite with children. (Its gentle, trainable nature was appealing.)
Synonyms
  • Stubbornness: the quality of being obstinate or unyielding.
  • Unruliness: the quality of being disorderly and difficult to control.
  • Intractability: the quality of being hard to manage or solve.
  • Obstinacy: firm or stubborn adherence to one's purpose or opinion.
Antonyms
  • Docility: the quality of being easily taught or managed.
  • Compliance: the willingness to conform to rules or requests.
  • Tractability: the quality of being easily handled or guided.
Related Idioms

  • "as stubborn as a mule": extremely unwilling to change one's mind or follow instructions.

    • His indocility was legendary; he was as stubborn as a mule. (He was famously uncooperative.)

  • "to kick against the pricks": to resist authority or discipline in a futile way.

    • Her constant indocility was like kicking against the pricks — it only caused her more trouble. (Her defiance was self-destructive.)