definitions

intractable

[ in-trak-tuh-buhl ]
/ ɪnˈtræk tə bəl /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR intractable ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

not easily controlled or directed; not docile or manageable; stubborn; obstinate: an intractable disposition.
(of things) hard to shape or work with: an intractable metal.
hard to treat, relieve, or cure: the intractable pain in his leg.

noun

an intractable person.

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RELATED WORDS

unmanageable, stubborn, intransigent, uncompromising, incurable, awkward, cantankerous, contrary, fractious, hard-line, headstrong, immovable, indomitable, insoluble, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, pat, pertinacious, perverse

Nearby words

intracorporeal, intracranial, intracranial cavity, intracranial hemorrhage, intracranial pressure, intractable, intracutaneous, intracutaneous reaction, intracutaneous test, intrad, intraday

Origin of intractable

From the Latin word intractābilis, dating back to 1535–45. See in-3, tractable
Related formsin·trac·ta·bil·i·ty, in·trac·ta·ble·ness, nounin·trac·ta·bly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for intractable

British Dictionary definitions for intractable

intractable

/ (ɪnˈtræktəbəl) /

adjective

difficult to influence or directan intractable disposition
(of a problem, illness, etc) difficult to solve, alleviate, or cure
difficult to shape or mould, esp with the hands
Derived Formsintractability or intractableness, nounintractably, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for intractable

intractable

[ ĭn-trăk′tə-bəl ]

adj.

Difficult to manage or govern; stubborn.
Difficult to alleviate, remedy, or cure.
Related formsin•trac′ta•bil′i•ty n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.