Wayward describes someone or something that's difficult to control, unpredictable, or stubbornly going their own way instead of following the expected path. A wayward student might keep breaking classroom rules despite repeated warnings. A wayward shopping cart might roll across the parking lot in whatever direction it pleases, ignoring your attempts to steer it straight.

The word carries a sense of independence that's gone too far, crossing into recklessness or disobedience. A wayward traveler wanders off the marked trail. A wayward balloon escapes from a child's hand and floats wherever the wind takes it. When you describe a decision as wayward, you mean it seemed poorly thought out or contrary to good sense.

Wayward often appears in the phrase “wayward youth,” referring to young people who've gotten into trouble by ignoring guidance from parents or teachers. The word suggests that someone or something has strayed from where they should be, like a sheep that keeps wandering away from the flock, and needs help finding the way back.