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Intractable: meaning, definitions and examples

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intractable

 

[ ɪnˈtræktəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

difficult to control or deal with

Intractable refers to something that is hard to manage, control, or solve. It can describe a problem, situation, or person that is stubborn, unruly, or unmanageable.

Synonyms

difficult, stubborn, unmanageable, unruly

Examples of usage

  • It was an intractable issue that required multiple meetings to resolve.
  • The patient's intractable behavior made it challenging for the medical staff to provide care.
  • Her intractable personality clashed with her coworkers, causing tension in the office.
Context #2 | Adjective

not easily influenced or persuaded

Intractable can also refer to a person who is stubborn, obstinate, or resistant to change. Such individuals are often rigid in their opinions and beliefs, making them resistant to compromise or negotiation.

Synonyms

obstinate, stubborn, unbending, unyielding

Examples of usage

  • Despite numerous attempts, he remained intractable in his decision not to attend the meeting.
  • The intractable student refused to follow the teacher's instructions, causing disruptions in the classroom.

Translations

Translations of the word "intractable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intratável

🇮🇳 असमाधेय

🇩🇪 unlösbar

🇮🇩 sulit diatasi

🇺🇦 невирішуваний

🇵🇱 nie do rozwiązania

🇯🇵 手に負えない

🇫🇷 intraitable

🇪🇸 intratable

🇹🇷 çözümsüz

🇰🇷 다루기 힘든

🇸🇦 غير قابل للحل

🇨🇿 neřešitelný

🇸🇰 neriešiteľný

🇨🇳 难以解决

🇸🇮 nerešljiv

🇮🇸 óleysanlegur

🇰🇿 шешілмейтін

🇬🇪 გაურკვეველი

🇦🇿 həll edilməz

🇲🇽 intratable

Etymology

The word 'intractable' originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Latin word 'intractabilis', meaning 'unmanageable'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the idea of something that is stubborn, difficult to control, or resistant to change. Intractable situations or individuals pose challenges due to their unyielding nature, requiring creative solutions and patience to address.

See also: detract, protract, protracted, protraction, protractor, retract, subtract, subtraction, tract, tractability, tractable, traction, tractor.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,882, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.