Willful
/ˈwɪl.fəl/
Definitions
- (adj.) Done intentionally or deliberately, often with a wrongful purpose.
The defendant's willful neglect led to the accident.
- (adj.) Marked by stubbornness or deliberate resistance to authority.
The employee's willful disobedience resulted in termination.
Forms
- wilful
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, willful often implies a conscious choice to act unlawfully or with knowledge of wrongdoing, distinguishing it from accidental or negligent conduct.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.