Stubborn vs. Hardheaded — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 9, 2024
Stubbornness involves a firm resistance to change, often driven by emotion or principle, while hardheadedness focuses on a practical, unyielding attitude resistant to persuasion or new ideas.
Difference Between Stubborn and Hardheaded
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Stubbornness is characterized by a person's refusal to change their opinion or action, regardless of external pressures or arguments. This trait often stems from deep emotional convictions or a strong commitment to certain principles. On the other hand, hardheadedness is marked by a pragmatic approach to situations, where an individual is unwilling to be swayed by emotional appeals or contrary evidence, emphasizing logic and practicality.
A stubborn individual might resist change not just on logical grounds but also due to a personal, emotional attachment to their stance. They might persist in their viewpoint or action even in the face of compelling reasons to adjust. Whereas, someone who is hardheaded will often focus on the practical aspects of a situation, disregarding emotional considerations and maintaining their course based on perceived rational benefits.
Stubborn people can be seen as having a strong sense of self and personal values, which dictates their resistance to change. This can be admirable in situations that require moral integrity or personal conviction. On the other hand, being hardheaded is often associated with a form of practical stubbornness that values efficiency and results over feelings, which can be beneficial in decision-making processes that require a clear, unemotional perspective.
The negative aspect of stubbornness is that it can lead to missed opportunities or strained relationships, as it might prevent individuals from considering alternative viewpoints or compromising. Conversely, hardheaded individuals might also miss out on opportunities or damage relationships but through a disregard for the emotional nuances of a situation, favoring a rational approach even when flexibility could be more advantageous.
While both stubbornness and hardheadedness involve a resistance to change or persuasion, the root of stubbornness is often emotional or principled, and hardheadedness is more practical and logically driven. Each trait has its strengths and drawbacks, with the former being potentially beneficial in personal and ethical matters, and the latter in practical and business contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Emotional conviction or principle
Practicality and logic
Flexibility
Low, due to emotional ties
Low, due to focus on practical outcomes
Decision Influence
Personal values and feelings
Rational benefits and efficiency
Perception
Can be seen as principled or inflexible
Often viewed as pragmatic or insensitive
Pros
Maintains moral integrity, shows strong personal values
Facilitates clear, practical decision-making
Cons
May lead to missed opportunities, strained relations
Could disregard emotional nuances, harm relationships
Compare with Definitions
Stubborn
Refusal to change one’s viewpoint or action.
Despite the evidence, his stubbornness kept him from admitting he was wrong.
Hardheaded
Exhibiting a refusal to be swayed by emotional appeals.
Her hardheadedness helped her remain unbiased during the debate.
Stubborn
A trait of being unyielding and firm in decisions.
Her stubbornness was admirable when defending her principles.
Hardheaded
Unyielding or stubborn in a practical sense.
His hardheaded decision-making sometimes overlooked employee concerns.
Stubborn
Persistence in one's own idea or course, against advice.
Her stubbornness to finish the project solo resulted in exhaustion.
Hardheaded
Marked by stubborn realism and practicality.
The team’s hardheaded strategy led to a successful product launch.
Stubborn
Characterized by inflexibility and refusal to yield.
His stubbornness during negotiations frustrated everyone involved.
Hardheaded
Inclined to be realistic and stubbornly pragmatic.
His hardheaded negotiation tactics were effective but not always popular.
Stubborn
Exhibiting determination not to change attitude or position.
His stubbornness in pursuing his dream job paid off eventually.
Hardheaded
Practical and realistic, not influenced by emotions.
Her hardheaded approach ensured the business stayed profitable.
Stubborn
Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so
Two stubborn young people intent on doing their own thing
A stubborn refusal to learn from experience
Hardheaded
Stubborn; willful.
Stubborn
Refusing to change one's mind or course of action despite pressure to do so; unyielding or resolute.
Hardheaded
Realistic; pragmatic.
Stubborn
Characterized by a refusal to change one's mind or course of action; dogged or persistent
Stubborn prejudice.
Stubborn earnestness.
Hardheaded
Stubborn; wilful.
Stubborn
Difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort
Stubborn soil.
Stubborn stains.
Hardheaded
Realistic; pragmatic.
Stubborn
Of materials: physically stiff and inflexible; not easily melted or worked.
Hardheaded
Having sound judgment; sagacious; shrewd; practical and pragmatic.
Stubborn
(informal) Stubbornness.
Hardheaded
Unreasonably rigid in the face of argument or entreaty or attack
Stubborn
A disease of citrus trees characterized by stunted growth and misshapen fruit, caused by Spiroplasma citri.
Hardheaded
Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory;
A hardheaded appraisal of our position
A hard-nosed labor leader
Completely practical in his approach to business
Not ideology but pragmatic politics
Stubborn
Firm as a stub or stump; stiff; unbending; unyielding; persistent; hence, unreasonably obstinate in will or opinion; not yielding to reason or persuasion; refractory; harsh; - said of persons and things; as, stubborn wills; stubborn ore; a stubborn oak; as stubborn as a mule.
And I was young and full of ragerie [wantonness]Stubborn and strong, and jolly as a pie.
These heretics be so stiff and stubborn.
Your stubborn usage of the pope.
Stubborn
Tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
Stubborn
Not responding to treatment;
A stubborn infection
A refractory case of acne
Stubborn
Difficult to treat or deal with;
Stubborn rust stains
A stubborn case of acne
Stubborn
Persisting in a reactionary stand
Common Curiosities
How can one manage a stubborn or hardheaded colleague?
By presenting clear, logical arguments or appealing to their values and principles, depending on their disposition.
Is being hardheaded advantageous in business?
Often, yes, because it focuses on practical outcomes and efficiency.
Is hardheadedness the same as being rational?
Not exactly; while hardheadedness involves a focus on rationality, it also implies a certain inflexibility.
What is the key difference between being stubborn and hardheaded?
Stubbornness is primarily emotional or principled, while hardheadedness is based on practicality and logic.
Do stubborn and hardheaded individuals struggle in relationships?
They can, as both traits might lead to difficulties in compromise and understanding.
Can stubbornness lead to missed opportunities?
Yes, as it might prevent individuals from considering alternative viewpoints or adapting to new information.
Are stubbornness and hardheadedness inherent traits?
These traits can be innate but are also influenced by experiences and environment.
What motivates a hardheaded person?
A desire for practical solutions and efficiency, often with a focus on achieving specific goals.
Can stubbornness be a positive trait?
Yes, when it involves sticking to one's principles or values in the face of adversity.
Why do people perceive stubbornness negatively?
Because it can be associated with inflexibility and a lack of willingness to adapt or compromise.
Can stubbornness affect personal growth?
Yes, as it might limit exposure to new ideas and experiences.
Does hardheadedness affect team dynamics?
It can, particularly if it leads to a disregard for others' input or feelings.
Can stubbornness and hardheadedness coexist in a person?
Yes, individuals can exhibit both traits in different aspects of their behavior and decision-making.
How can one overcome being too stubborn or hardheaded?
By actively seeking diverse perspectives and being open to change and adaptation.
Is there a cultural aspect to stubbornness or hardheadedness?
Cultural backgrounds can influence the expression and perception of these traits, with some cultures valuing them more than others.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
