Most Stubborn MBTI Types Ranked (+ What They’re Inflexible About)

Are you curious to know how stubborn each personality type actually is?

So let’s take a look at the different ways each type gets stubborn and rank all the personalities to find out the most stubborn MBTI overall.

Have you ever been accused of being unreasonable? Do you ever feel that other people impede your ambitions, plans, or desires? When it comes to our personality types, every one of us tends to become obstinate when it comes to matters concerning our primary function.

For example, suppose you’re a dominant intuitive. In that case, you may be adamant about your insights, conclusions, and hidden meanings. 

Also, suppose you are a dominant thinking type. In that case, you might be adamant about your reasoning or the correctness of your beliefs.

When we are ill, immature, or young, we are more prone to being stubborn than usual. These concerns might soften as we age and learn to respect other people’s viewpoints more, but being aware of them early on can help us recognize when we’re getting in our own way!

1. ESTJ Stubbornness

ESTJs may be incredibly obstinate, especially regarding topics they believe in. They have most likely been doing things a specific way for years and do not want to change. ESTJs despise it when someone comes into their house and does not respect how things are done.

They might be quite picky about their house and want everything to be in order. ESTJs frequently have a preference for how things should be done and feel irritated if others fail to meet their expectations.

ESTJs flourish when they are productive and focused on their goals. They are pragmatic, action-oriented, and driven. These people want to stay active with their goals because they believe that by working hard and achieving them, they can best care for their communities or families.

Because ESTJs place such a high importance on hard work and production, they can be highly obstinate in their decisions and goals. They dislike wasting time or dilly-dallying. Therefore if they have devised an effective strategy, they want to move it immediately. 

People who delay, provide several choices, or can’t make up their minds tend to irritate them at moments like these.

ESTJs might become more emotionally sensitive than usual under acute stress. This may appear to be an emphasis on a cause or moral justice. They may become more adamant than usual about what is moral, ethical, or good and attempt to push their opinions on others. 

They may feel insulted, alone, and victimized if others do not join them. This feeling usually fades fast as their stress level decreases.

2. INTJ Stubbornness

Because they do not bend readily, INTJs are sometimes considered unyielding. The main reason INTJs are challenging to persuade is that they have typically spent a long time gathering knowledge.

They do extensive studies to obtain the facts required to make an informed choice. When presented with facts and reasoning, the INTJ will be entirely open to them. They need someone to bring enough facts to the table for the INTJ to reconsider. They are not as stubborn as they look; they merely need a lot of information to make a conclusion.

INTJs are imaginative and strategic, looking for patterns and themes that will influence the future. They like researching ideologies, pondering life’s riddles, and plotting paths to success. These individuals are frequently on the cutting edge of research and technological advancement.

While their thoughts can be significant and groundbreaking, they can also be obstinate. When individuals doubt their forecasts, their answers can become arrogant and impatient. They may acquire one-sided, mystical concepts without a factual basis if they do not balance their opinions with real-world experience and facts.

They can become obsessed with sophisticated concepts and lose sight of “common sense” to an exceptionally harmful degree.

INTJs’ logic and sense of order might become inflexible under stress. They may insist on their surroundings being ordered in a particular manner or become too concerned with cleanliness and organization.

3. INFJ Stubbornness

When they feel something is correct, INFJs may be incredibly tenacious. INFJs are fully capable of bending on things that they feel receptive to. Still, they may also be rather firm in other situations. When the INFJ has decided to do something, they resent it when others try to push their hand.

They can be stubborn at times, as they have most certainly spent a significant amount of time arriving at their present decision. They struggle when believing someone is attempting to take away their freedom. 

INFJs, above all, might be obstinate when it comes to asking for help. They find it difficult to rely on people and do not want to be a burden.

INFJs are sensitive and intelligent, considering the long-term consequences of everything that happens around them. They are more preoccupied with the future than the present, attempting to predict what will happen and how to impact the future positively.

While their foresight might be uncannily precise, they must evaluate facts and real details. INFJs may be highly persistent regarding their perceptions and visions, arguing that the future they envisage WILL come true.

They can create plans that they are entirely committed to. If someone disputes their ideas, they might become antagonistic or retreat and carry out their scheme undercover.

During times of stress, INFJs may become too accommodating to others and overwhelmed by their own demands and emotions. They believe that the environment around them must be entirely harmonious to digest their insights. 

They might become emotionally irritated, co-dependent, and consumed with addressing the demands of others. Their need to “set things right” for others can come off as domineering, and their insistence on repairing things can be tiresome.

4. ISTJ Stubbornness

When it comes to things they desire, ISTJs may be rather stubborn. They know what they want and prefer to complete most jobs independently. When someone enters a situation and immediately starts making a mess of it, ISTJs feel quite upset.

When it comes to their house and living conditions, ISTJs are quite stubborn and dislike having outsiders interfere with them. They might be obstinate, yet they are receptive to speaking about issues. They will listen to what someone says, but it does not guarantee the ISTJ will change their viewpoint.

People admire ISTJs because they are resourceful and down-to-earth. They always have a strategy and stick to their guns. They believe in being truthful and hardworking because they feel great responsibility for the people they care about or the promises they’ve made.

Because ISTJs value stability, they might be obstinate about their routines and processes. They prefer to stick with what they know and are wary of new options until they have compelling logical reasons to do so.

ISTJs are particularly resistant to change under stress. They’ll grow more reclusive and preoccupied with getting the facts right. They tend to feel overwhelmed and irritated during occasions like this.

Others may perceive them as sticking to their routines and habits and becoming increasingly resistant to change. This sensation usually fades as their stress level drops.

5. ISFJ Stubbornness

ISFJs have difficulty adjusting their minds and may be obstinate. ISFJs are stubborn when it comes to their principles and ideals. They know what they feel is correct and are typically offended when others try to sway their minds.

ISFJs also know their preferences, particularly regarding their house and personal style. They resent it when someone comes into their home and tries to modify how things are done because the ISFJ is inclined to handle most things themselves.

ISFJs are a stabilizing influence in a chaotic environment because they are empathetic, detail-oriented, and grounded. They care strongly about others and attempt to demonstrate their commitment.

They prefer to stick to tried-and-true methods for problem-solving and planning. They have faith in mentors and tried-and-true methods and tactics. They may be adamant that things have always been done the best way and may be wary of change, theories, or hypothetical alternatives.

ISFJs are especially reluctant to change while under stress. They may get overwhelmed with details and bad possibilities and want to avoid danger at all costs. Others may perceive them as rigidly adhering to their habits and shutting themselves away.

6. ESTP Stubbornness

When it comes to particular knowledge, ESTPs can be rather obstinate. When the ESTP spends time investigating a topic, they frequently become persuaded that they know everything there is to know about it. This can make ESTPs obstinate, and they may become argumentative.

ESTPs know how they want things done and might be a little aggressive when getting what they want. If the ESTP wants something, they will likely get fixated on it and will not bend until they obtain it. ESTPs, on the other hand, can be considerably more accommodating to their love partner.

ESTPs are courageous, resourceful, and pragmatic people. They respond quickly to emergency circumstances and appreciate situations that need them to think on their feet. Their ability to improvise and trust their intuition may be quite advantageous. However, they may be reckless and adamant about their skills when they trust their senses too fast.

They might believe that they are invincible and “jump before they look,” much to the chagrin of those who have cautioned them. They can be obstinately adventurous, tossing caution to the wind and hinting that the cautious way is for “sissies.”

ESTPs might become obstinate when faced with a bleak future during times of stress. They might become unusually reclusive, contemplative, and preoccupied with the future, especially under prolonged or intense pressure. During these times, they may be certain of “inevitable” disaster.

7. ESFJ Stubbornness

When it comes to how they want things done, ESFJs may be pretty stubborn. They may want to do things themselves to ensure they are done correctly. ESFJs are obstinate, yet they may be persuaded to change by their loved ones. They know how they want things done, yet they prioritize the feelings of others over anything else.

The ESFJ will debate and try to be stubborn for a time but will cave if someone they care about actually wants it that way.

ESFJs are kind and community-minded people who believe in helping others and organizing a better future. They are acutely aware of other people’s needs and pay close attention to the small aspects that delight others. They thrive in environments that are amicable and encourage collaboration.

They may be so eager for everyone to get along that they attempt to “fix” everyone’s feelings. Emotionally sick ESFJs are irritated by those who cause interruption, even if the disruption is beneficial. Healthy ESFJs recognize that disagreement may be helpful and will strive to establish an environment where everyone is free to express their feelings.

When it comes to their principles and convictions, ESFJs may be obstinate. The ESFJ’s morals are typically fundamental to them, and they may be very vocal in support of them. When they are crusading for a cause, they may look “preachy” in their attempts to persuade others to join them.

During times of stress, ESFJs are more likely to rely on their prior experiences and perceptions. They may be obstinate in their approach and shut down alternatives or creative processes. They are more focused on their routine at these times and are afraid to move outside of their comfort zone.

8. INFP Stubbornness

When it comes to morality and principles, INFPs might be a little obstinate. They are open-minded when it comes to information but rigid when it comes to moral norms. They know what is good and evil in their hearts and resent it when others dispute this.

INFPs are OK with individuals holding different ideas than them, but they despise it when others try to change their minds. They enjoy their own space and independence and may be rather adamant about it.

INFPs are honest, committed people who are passionate about their causes and ideals. They spend their lives debating issues of worth, good and evil, and significance. What is the true meaning of life? Who decides what is good and bad and what is indeed true? What is right in their eyes? When INFPs commit to their ideals and causes, they do so with zeal and conviction.

While this might be beneficial, it can also be detrimental if overdone. They might be dogmatic in their ideas and aspirations, becoming reactive to anything they perceive as wrong or bad. They may set high expectations for others and then be upset when those expectations are not met.

When individuals dispute principles and ethics, they can become self-righteous and hurtful instead of honestly allowing the opposing party to express themselves. They become more open to these talks as they grow and develop.

During times of stress, INFPs may become unduly focused on the veracity of their conclusions and ideas, failing to test them in the real world. As a result, they might become “armchair experts” based on speculation rather than real-world experience.

During times of high stress, they may be more critical, dogmatic, and argumentative than usual, becoming too focused on their logic to engage in fruitful dialogue.

9. ESFP Stubbornness

ESFPs can be obstinate, especially when it comes to pursuing their desires. When the ESFP has their heart set on something, it is difficult to dissuade them. They frequently go to any length to obtain what they desire, including begging for it.

They will frequently try every means available to persuade their loved ones to assist them, and they will not give up until they obtain it. Because of their impulsive decision-making and whims, ESFPs might be obstinate.

ESFPs are energetic, practical, and action-oriented people. They need diversity and adventure in their lives and despise being inactive or bored. Their impulsiveness and fearlessness might be beneficial but can also be detrimental. They may become obstinate in their acts, creating the appearance that they are “immune to danger” and realistic enough to deal with the hazards.

People who warn them to calm down or check in with their values may appear suffocating to the ESFP, causing them to dig their heels in even further. They might also appear obstinate regarding facts and perceptions, preferring concrete facts and statistics above anything speculative.

People who propose far-reaching ideas or symbolism may be disregarded by the ESFP as being excessively superstitious or unrealistic.

ESFPs might become unusually introverted and pessimistic while under stress. They may worry about the future and all the bad things they perceive coming. Typically lively and cheerful, they appear dismal and visionary in a depressing way during these periods.

10. ENFJ Stubbornness

ENFJs might be stubborn when asking for help, preferring to handle everything themselves. They dislike feeling burdened and prefer to face issues on their own. Everyone sometimes requires assistance, but ENFJs have difficulty relying on others.

They do not like feeling like they have failed. Thus they frequently push themselves further than they should. ENFJs often persevere in the face of adversity, even when utterly exhausted.

ENFJs know other people’s needs, feelings, values, and desires. They thrive on free, expressive conversation and encourage others to open up to them and share their experiences with them. They take pleasure in listening, coaching, advising, and soothing. While this may be a positive trait, it can also be misread or overused.

Some individuals view ENFJs to be pushy or interfering. ENFJs can also become too confident in their abilities, their path, or how they should manage relationships and situations. 

They can be highly obstinate about what they believe a group “should” do or what principles people “should” embrace since they prefer to trust their insights and instincts about others. This might come out as forceful, especially to more independent people.

During times of stress, ENFJs desire to feel in control and see a clear road ahead of them. They may get forceful about decisions without thoroughly considering all of their options. 

They may become preoccupied with dissecting their intuitive insights and overlook the tangible facts and details.

11. ISTP Stubbornness

ISTPs are not obstinate and like to be open-minded. They are pretty relaxed, making them extremely simple to get along with. They don’t mind last-minute changes and can typically go with the flow.

They are not concerned with the intricacies, which makes them pleasant to be around. When it comes to their desire for space and independence, ISTPs can be obstinate, but this is totally acceptable. They just require a lot of alone time to feel normal and energized.

Realistic and reasonable, ISTPs take satisfaction in believing facts and thinking things through. Where they may be obstinate is in their demand for absolute precision. They can be sure of their reasoning, rejecting ideas, beliefs, or attitudes that do not conform to their mental picture of how things function.

They might also be obstinate when thoroughly studying a problem before taking action. While they think rapidly in crises, they are slow to make long-term judgments. They want to digest all of the data and consider the intricacies and rationale before making a decision they may regret later.

During these moments, individuals may look reluctant and resistive to those waiting for their response.

ISTPs might be obstinate about how things are ordered in their surroundings under stress. They might be picky about cleanliness or how their workplace is organized. They can become irritated when people intrude on their space.

12. INTP Stubbornness

Most of the time, INTPs are pretty open-minded and like exploring new ideas. They have some values the INTP holds dear, and they might be obstinate about them. They are obviously receptive to unique views, especially if facts and reasoning are presented to them.

Regarding values and what they feel is right, INTPs do not bend. They loathe when someone tries to change this and are frequently annoyed by it. INTPs value their independence and do not want anyone to take it away. They can be obstinate regarding their demand for space and freedom and will resist anybody who attempts to undermine this.

INTPs want to get a comprehensive knowledge of things before making a judgment. They prefer to evaluate all of the data, weigh the leverage points, and weigh the pros and disadvantages. This might be advantageous because they are typically neither impetuous nor irresponsible. 

However, it might make them look unyielding to those who make decisions swiftly. They may insist on taking their time, delaying deadlines, or deferring choices until their curiosity and desire for information are fulfilled.

They also have apparent inner models and ideals and are adamant about the veracity of their beliefs. More sick INTPs might filter out information that contradicts their picture of how things function. They may also “bend” facts to meet their views.

During times of stress, INTPs may get overly convinced of the usefulness of their ideas without putting them to the test. They may become engrossed in hypotheses and become “armchair experts” on a subject without putting their theories to the test via an actual application. They might be obstinate in their conclusions and beliefs, shutting out competing viewpoints.

13. ENTJ Stubbornness

ENTJs may look obstinate at times, yet they are actually quite receptive to others. They need evidence and reasoning to modify their minds or be receptive to new ideas. ENTJs genuinely love and are receptive to those who can assist them in growing.

ENTJs are considerably more open to those they trust and rely on and will listen to them far more. ENTJs can be obstinate regarding their desires and despise being held back by anybody.

The ENTJ personality type is determined, hardworking, and visionary. They are frequently business movers and shakers, strategically advancing their careers to the top of the corporate ladder. While their abilities can undoubtedly be advantageous, they can also have unexpected consequences.

ENTJs might be so confident of their reasoning and explanation for reaching a decision that they dismiss alternative viewpoints or look condescending to those who bring up personal reasons why a solution might not work. It might be tough for them to reverse direction after developing a strategy, especially if they are at an ordinary or unhealthy level of maturity.

They may urge individuals to “get over” their emotions or comment on their feelings as unimportant. They can also become inflexible in their thinking, clinging tenaciously to models and beliefs they’ve acquired.

ENTJs might become more adamant about what they believe to be correct or incorrect under stress. They may adopt a self-righteous manner and become extremely black-and-white about what is good and evil.

Anyone who isn’t on their side is “bad”. They might develop a martyr complex if they don’t feel like anyone supports their views. As their stress levels decrease, these sensations tend to fade.

14. ISFP Stubbornness

ISFPs are not obstinate individuals; they prefer to go with the flow. They do not want to get hung up on specifics, so they are frequently laid-back people. ISFPs will only get obstinate about their principles and internal aspirations.

They are totally happy with others holding opinions that vary from their own; they just don’t want those people imposing their beliefs on them. When it comes to these things, they like having their own space and resent having their freedom taken away.

ISFPs are guided by their particular ideals and aim to live in line with their distinct sense of purpose. They desire to aid people and the causes in which they believe. They must make a visible difference in the world. ISFPs might be tenacious when it comes to the ideals they hold dear.

They prefer to dig in their heels in favor of their cause or ideal, viewing those who disagree with them as “wrong” or “evil.” They might become too reactive to what they believe to be wrong in the world and mistake others for indifference.

ISFPs might become unusually focused on order and rationality during times of stress. They may become indifferent to others and have a rigid, logical worldview. Because they focus on productivity and getting things done, they will have less patience for other people’s sentiments than usual.

They might become overly fixated on their logic and lose the ability to reason with others.

15. ENFP Stubbornness

When it comes to things they desire, ENFPs might be a little obstinate. If the ENFP has their heart set on something, they typically go to any length to obtain it. They are not afraid to gripe or whine to get their loved ones to help them. They are pretty good at utilizing their ENFP charm and wit to achieve what they desire.

They don’t ask for much, but when the ENFP wants something, they won’t stop until they have it. ENFPs might be obstinate in some situations, but they are open-minded regarding education and information.

ENFPs have a unique capacity to perceive relationships in different circumstances. They may go through two different experiences and discover something that connects them. They can also make inferences about meaning and relationships that aren’t explicitly expressed.

This capacity to “read between the lines” might make them intelligent and innovative, but it can also trip them up. They might be highly obstinate in their views of what is happening around them. For example, they may believe they have read someone’s thoughts and proceed based on their assumption rather than verifying to see whether their interpretation is correct. 

Or they may be adamant about inventing or modifying something that is absolutely good the way it is since change is so appealing to them.

ENFPs are highly individualistic individuals who like pursuing their aspirations, ideas, beliefs, and desires. While this is desirable, it might lead to an exaggerated predilection. They might be reluctant to be affected by others, leading to them being self-absorbed and disdainful.

This is particularly common in young or immature ENFPs; as ENFPs age, they become more patient, inclusive, and sensitive to other people’s wishes.

During times of stress, ENFPs are prone to categorizing everything as either entirely positive or absolutely awful. They may get entrenched in specific beliefs and ideals and refuse to listen to the views of others. They may look self-righteous or unusually cautious and determined.

16. ENTP Stubbornness

ENTPs are open to hearing other people’s perspectives. If facts and reasoning are presented to the ENTPs, they will appreciate participating in a healthy argument. They genuinely like discussing various subjects, especially when it helps them learn and grow.

When it comes to their demand for independence, ENTPs may be obstinate and loathe being held back. If the ENTP suspects someone is attempting to influence them, they will undoubtedly be perceived as stubborn and stand firm. However, when it comes to those they trust, ENTPs are incredibly receptive and will suppress their intransigence.

ENTPs like discussing, arguing, and extrapolating hypothetical alternatives and possibilities. They regard themselves as reasonable but open-minded. While their abilities can lead to them being inventive innovators, philosophers, and instructors, they can also get into trouble sometimes.

They may get so preoccupied with opposing the current status quo or playing the devil’s advocate that they distort logic to match their purpose or “win” the argument. They might also become so fixated on doing things differently that they “reinvent the wheel” and squander time on unnecessary innovation.

ENTPs might become rigid about following specific concepts and models during stress, making them less adaptable than usual. They will appear more critical, sharp-tongued, and rude during these moments. They may also have tunnel vision about how things should be done, becoming engrossed in minutiae or over-preparing.

Final Thoughts

Has someone ever accused you of being unreasonable? Do you ever feel that other people are just getting in the way of your goals, plans, or desires? When it comes to our personality types, we all have the propensity to become obstinate when it comes to topics about our major roles.

For example, suppose you’re a dominant intuitive (ENxP or INxJ). In that case, you can be vehement about your insights, conclusions, and hidden meanings. 

Suppose you are a dominant thinking type (IxTP or ExTJ). In that case, you may be vehement about the soundness of your reasoning or convictions.

We are more likely to be stubborn when we are sick, immature, or young. These fears may fade as we grow older and learn to value other people’s perspectives more, but being aware of them early on may help us identify when we’re getting in our own way!

What’s Next?

Most Mature MBTI Types: 16 Personalities Ranked

INTP Libra: Personality Breakdown

Why Are INFPs So Sad? Dissecting The Depressed INFP

ENTPs & Heartbreak: What Breaks an ENTPs Heart

Venus Square Saturn Synastry: Love & Friendships Explained

Venus Sextile Pluto Synastry: Love & Friendships Explained