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

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

Given that AI uses a tremendous amount of energy and water, public servants should be applying it towards solving society’s most intractable problems, not creating racist tropes or belittling people for exercising their democratic rights.

From Salon

Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?

From Los Angeles Times

His problems are small but frustrating and seemingly intractable.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• incurable
• intransigent
• stubborn
• uncompromising
• unmanageable