intractable

American  

[in-trak-tuh-buhl] / ɪnˈtræk tə bəl /

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.

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noun

1. an intractable person.

intractable British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See unruly.

Other Word Forms

• intractability noun
• intractableness noun
• intractably adverb

Etymology

Origin of intractable

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

Example Sentences

Miller said he and his wife, Staci, while mapping out their philanthropic work, chose to focus on intractable problems at the local, state, national and global level.

From Los Angeles Times

"Their paper should enable a broad spectrum of studies that previously were intractable."

From Science Daily

Amid true danger in intractable hot spots, this is rhetoric for the sake of bravado.

From The Wall Street Journal

The deal is now at an intractable impasse, people involved in the talks say.

From The Wall Street Journal

MacArthur Park has come to symbolize some of Los Angeles’ most intractable issues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• incurable
• intransigent
• stubborn
• uncompromising
• unmanageable