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

A 10-minute brain scan can predict the effectiveness of a risky spinal surgery to alleviate intractable pain.

From Science Daily

He wants to talk about fixing the intractable economic problems that led many voters to back Trump’s return.

From Los Angeles Times

And if Barnier has failed, it shows the situation is truly intractable.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• incurable
• intransigent
• stubborn
• uncompromising
• unmanageable