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

Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One senses in these endeavors a not insincere overreaction that substitutes for political action, shifting responsibility onto potential victims and accepting the problem as intractable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Modern white supremacy burns through the exhibition, both as searing illumination of its vile contours and as clenched fury at its intractable endurance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The European statement referred to "Russia's stalling tactics", indicating how intractable Moscow's position remained.

Read more on BBC

That day, Altman was dealing with a growing list of seemingly intractable problems, including a political fight over its for-profit restructure in California, that threatened to sink the company.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• incurable 
• intransigent 
• stubborn 
• uncompromising 
• unmanageable