Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for intractable

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
“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
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • inˌtractaˈbility, noun
  • inˈtractably, adverb
Discover More

Other Words From

  • in·tracta·bili·ty in·tracta·ble·ness noun
  • in·tracta·bly adverb
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of intractable1

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

Synonym Study

See unruly.
Discover More

Example Sentences

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

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

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.

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.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


intracranialintracutaneous