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

Other Word Forms

• intractability noun
• intractableness noun
• intractably 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

Investors are betting the tariff will incentivize drug companies to invest in American production facilities and that the drug sales platform, TrumpRx, can solve the intractable cost of medication.

Read more on Barron's

Making the situation even more intractable is the timing: the pending departure of Macron makes it all the more unlikely that either side will make concessions.

Read more on BBC

The region’s intractable housing and homelessness crisis is at the core of the union push.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since the start of the war it has become shorthand for a series of intractable and maximalist demands that Putin say stand in the way of a ceasefire.

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Whenever Kremlin officials have spoken this week, it has been to reiterate Putin's seemingly intractable position on the conflict.

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Related Words

• incurable 
• intransigent 
• stubborn 
• uncompromising 
• unmanageable