intractable

/ɪnˈtræktəbəl/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
So resistant that dealing with it is unusually hard.

Examples

  • Even after months of talks, the problem remained intractable.
  • The committee faced an intractable dispute.
  • The patient has intractable pain despite treatment.
  • An intractable software bug delayed the launch.
  • She was called intractable because she would not compromise.

Similar words

unmanageable
stubbornly difficult
stubborn
unyielding

Meanings

Extremely hard to manage or resolve

adjective
difficulty
formal
Describes a person, problem, or condition that resists attempts to control, treat, or settle it.

Examples

  • The committee faced an intractable dispute.
  • Even after months of talks, the problem remained intractable.
  • The patient has intractable pain despite treatment.
  • She was called intractable because she would not compromise.
  • An intractable software bug delayed the launch.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin intractabilis, built from in-, not, and tractabilis, manageable.

FAQ

What does intractable mean?

Intractable means very hard to manage, treat, or solve.

When is intractable used?

It can describe disputes, difficult people, persistent pain, or stubborn technical problems.

How does intractable differ from difficult?

Difficult is broad, while intractable suggests strong resistance to repeated attempts.

How is intractable used in a sentence?

The committee faced an intractable dispute.

Is intractable formal?

Yes. Intractable is a formal adjective.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...