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intractable
[ in-trak-tuh-buhl ]
adjective
- not easily controlled or directed; not docile or manageable; stubborn; obstinate:
an intractable disposition.
Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, inflexible, unbending, refractory, fractious, froward, willful, stony, obdurate, dogged, headstrong, perverse
- (of things) hard to shape or work with:
an intractable metal.
Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, inflexible, unbending, refractory, fractious
- hard to treat, relieve, or cure:
the intractable pain in his leg.
noun
- an intractable person.
intractable
/ ɪnˈtræktəbəl /
adjective
- difficult to influence or direct
an intractable disposition
- (of a problem, illness, etc) difficult to solve, alleviate, or cure
- difficult to shape or mould, esp with the hands
Derived Forms
- inˌtractaˈbility, noun
- inˈtractably, adverb
Other Words From
- in·tracta·bili·ty in·tracta·ble·ness noun
- in·tracta·bly adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of intractable1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
The real problem—a problem that thus far has proven intractable—is overcoming the doubt and fear.
Some express a feeling of hopelessness and that their intractable sadness will never abate.
Unfortunately, this new study shows how intractable that problem truly is.
The symptoms can show up as a wide array of intractable health problems.
On the left, many see it as a civil rights issue–potentially ameliorating the problem of intractable poverty.
But on the subject of the foreign troops Hartington in one House and his father in the other were intractable.
On the other hand they were likely to prove intractable and ungovernable, and many preferred even suicide to servitude.
A gallows was erected in the court, where the intractable underwent capital punishment as a warning to the rest.
Nevertheless it would surprise those acquainted only with fresh water ice to find how tough, sticky and intractable is sea-ice.
This fellow, Lopez, had absolutely been allowed to make a good score off his own intractable disobedience.
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