wayward

/ˈwā-wərd/

Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward

adjective

  1. following one's own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable

  2. following no clear principle or law : unpredictable

  3. opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward

a wayward child

contrary perverse restive balky wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal.