self-will
Insistence on autonomy
Self-will is stubborn determination to have one's own way, especially when it conflicts with what others want or what circumstances demand.
The term carries a negative connotation—self-willed people are obstinate rather than admirably independent: Her self-will made collaboration impossible.
The quality suggests willfulness that resists guidance or compromise.
Unyielding adherence to position
- inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
- bullheadednessStubborn persistence despite reason
- obduracyStubborn refusal to yield
- intransigenceRefusal to compromise
mulishness · pigheadedness · doggedness · unbendingness · rigidity · pertinacity · implacability · hardheadedness
Tendency toward defiant resistance
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- noncomplianceFailure to follow requirements
contrariness · recalcitrance · contumacy · opposition · dissent · nonconformity · unruliness · refractoriness
Firmness of purpose
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
steadfastness · drive · purposefulness · conviction · single-mindedness · resoluteness · firmness · determination
Freedom from external control
- agencyPower to act
- volitionCapacity for choice
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
liberty · freedom · empowerment · choice · enfranchisement · autarky
obstinacy
Unyielding adherence to position
- inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
- bullheadednessStubborn persistence despite reason
- obduracyStubborn refusal to yield
intransigence · mulishness · pigheadedness · doggedness · unbendingness · rigidity · pertinacity · implacability · hardheadedness · stiff-neckedness
rebelliousness
Tendency toward defiant resistance
- insubordinationDefying workplace authority
- disobedienceRefusal to follow orders
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
noncompliance · contrariness · recalcitrance · contumacy · opposition · dissent · nonconformity · unruliness · refractoriness · waywardness
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
fortitude · steadfastness · drive · purposefulness · conviction · single-mindedness · resoluteness · firmness · determination · dedication
independence
Freedom from external control
- agencyPower to act
- volitionCapacity for choice
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
sovereignty · liberty · freedom · empowerment · choice · enfranchisement · autarky
- stubbornnessstubbornness, obstinacy, pigheadedness, bullheadedness, mulishness
- Gurdjieffmovements, Fontainebleau, essence, personality, centers
self-willcompliance
Adhering to requirements
obedience · submission · docility · acquiescence · yielding
self-willopen-mindedness
Acceptance of differing viewpoints
receptiveness · receptivity · flexibility · adaptability · reasonableness
self-willsubordination
Lower position in hierarchy
subservience · surrender · subserviency · slavishness · servility
will, self, willing, unwilling, willpower, willful, selfless, willingly, willingness