wayward Definition
- 1difficult to control or predict because of unusual or perverse behavior
- 2turning or changing irregularly
- 3deviating from what is desired or expected
Using wayward: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wayward" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The wayward child refused to follow the rules.
Example
The wayward wind made it difficult to steer the boat.
Example
Her wayward behavior caused her to lose many friends.
Example
The company's wayward spending habits led to bankruptcy.
wayward Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for wayward
Antonyms for wayward
Idioms Using wayward
Example
His bad influence led her wayward, causing her to make poor decisions and get into trouble.
Example
His wayward shot missed the goal by a wide margin.
Example
She felt like a wayward soul, unsure of where she was going or what she wanted to do with her life.
Phrases with wayward
wayward son/daughter
a child who behaves in an unpredictable or disobedient manner
Example
He was always a wayward son, getting into trouble and causing headaches for his parents.
a partner who is unfaithful or behaves in a manner that is not conducive to a healthy relationship
Example
She discovered her husband's wayward behavior when she found evidence of his infidelity.
a career that lacks direction or purpose, characterized by frequent changes or lack of progress
Example
After several wayward years, he finally found his calling as a teacher.
Origins of wayward
from 'way' + 'ward', meaning 'turned or directed toward'
Summary: wayward in Brief
The term 'wayward' [ˈweɪwərd] describes something that is difficult to control or predict due to unusual or perverse behavior. It can refer to people, such as a wayward child or spouse, or to things, such as a wayward career or shot. 'Wayward' is often used to describe behavior that deviates from what is desired or expected, and can be formal or informal depending on the context.
