1. the quality of being difficult to control or predict; stubbornly disobedient behavior
2. the tendency to follow one’s own desires rather than doing what is expected or proper

Examples

• The teenager’s waywardness frustrated his parents who struggled to set boundaries.
• Her waywardness as a child eventually gave way to mature responsibility.
• The coach was concerned about the team’s waywardness during practice.
• His waywardness in following company policies led to several warnings.
• The artist’s waywardness was both her greatest strength and weakness.
• Parents often worry about their children’s waywardness during adolescence.
• The waywardness of the weather made planning the outdoor event difficult.