Motsträviga

Motsträviga is a Swedish adjective meaning stubbornly resistant to change, cooperation, or guidance. It describes people, groups, or processes that oppose or hesitate to accept proposals, reforms, or instructions. The term emphasizes persistent opposition rather than brief hesitation.

It is formed from mot ('against') and strävig ('tenacious, obstinate'). The base form is motsträvig; in plural or definite contexts you encounter motsträviga (for example de motsträviga arbetstagarna). It can appear in predicative position in sentences such as "Ledningen var motsträvig till förslaget."

In usage, motsträviga describes stakeholders who resist proposed changes, plans, or rules. It conveys stronger persistence than motvillig (reluctant) and often implies principled or structural opposition, not merely hesitation. Examples include: Ledningen var motsträvig till förslaget. De motsträviga fackliga representanterna avvisade planen.

Related terms include motvillig and tveksam. In English, approximate equivalents are obstinate or recalcitrant, depending on context. The term is most common in Swedish-language discourse when discussing resistance to reforms or new procedures.