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

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

But the Breed of six years ago was more open to experimenting with a progressive reformist agenda when it came to solving intractable issues such as addiction and poverty.

From Los Angeles Times

The United States, Britain and many European countries, as well as Australia, regularly repeat that they support a two-state solution as the cure for the Middle East’s intractable, century-old conflict.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• incurable
• intransigent
• stubborn
• uncompromising
• unmanageable