intractable

[ in-trak-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. 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

   Antonyms: flexible, amenable, amiable

2. (of things) hard to shape or work with:

   an intractable metal.

   Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, inflexible, unbending, refractory, fractious

   Antonyms: flexible, amenable

3. hard to treat, relieve, or cure:

   the intractable pain in his leg.

noun

1. an intractable person.

intractable

/ ɪnˈtræktəbəl /

adjective

1. difficult to influence or direct

   an intractable disposition

2. (of a problem, illness, etc) difficult to solve, alleviate, or cure
3. difficult to shape or mould, esp with the hands

Derived Forms

• inˌtractaˈbility, noun
• inˈtractably, adverb

Other Words From

• in·tracta·bili·ty in·tracta·ble·ness noun
• in·tracta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intractable¹

From the Latin word intractābilis, dating back to 1535–45. See in- ³, tractable

Synonym Study

See unruly.

Example Sentences

He showcased his role as founder of Tipping Point, a San Francisco nonprofit that funds efforts to lift people out of poverty, to highlight his commitment to solving intractable problems.

From Los Angeles Times

It was like a PowerPoint presentation arguing, over the course of seven or eight slides, that we’re the rational, trustworthy folks who will try to build consensus with minor technocratic fixes to the country’s massive and intractable problems, whereas that other guy is a dangerous aspiring F-word dictator who just wants to smash things.

From Salon

His essay does not dwell on some of California’s huge and seemingly intractable challenges — homelessness, generational poverty in urban areas, the housing affordability crisis, the shocking toll rising temperatures are playing in so many parts of life.

From Los Angeles Times

Lurie responded by touting his role as founder of Tipping Point, a San Francisco nonprofit that funds efforts to lift people out of poverty, to highlight his commitment to solving intractable problems.

From Los Angeles Times

“Deadly conflict is becoming more intractable, with big-power competition accelerating and middle powers on the rise,” is how Ms Ero describes the landscape.

From BBC

Related Words

• incurable
• intransigent
• stubborn
• uncompromising
• unmanageable