wayward

1. 1

   Given to a wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.

   • He is a brilliant fellow when he chooses to work—one of the brightest intellects of the University, but he is wayward, dissipated, and unprincipled.
   • Fancies are like shadows . . . you can’t cage them, they’re such wayward, dancing things.
2. 2

   Obstinate, contrary and unpredictable.

3. 3

   Not on target.

   • Bulgaria's only attacking weapon was the wayward shooting of Martin Petrov, whereas England's attacking options were awash with movement in the shape of Rooney, Young and Walcott.

syn. vagabond · vagrant

1. 1

   Someone, especially a young woman or girl, who is wayward.dated

   • the wild, half-starved youth whom we style incorrigibles, delinquents, and waywards
   • The girls classed as first offenders and waywards gave a higher intelligence quotient than the others.