INTRACTABLE

intractable

(adjective) not tractable; difficult to manage or mold; “an intractable disposition”; “intractable pain”; “the most intractable issue of our era”; “intractable metal”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

intractable (comparative more intractable, superlative most intractable)

Not tractable; not able to be managed, controlled, governed or directed.

(maths) (of a mathematical problem) Not able to be solved.

(of a problem) Difficult to deal with, solve, or manage.

(of a person) Stubborn; obstinate.

(medicine) Difficult to treat (of a medical condition).

Source: Wiktionary


In*tract"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. intractabilis: cf. F. intraitable, formerly also intractable. See In- not, and Tractable.]

Definition: Not tractable; not easily governed, managed, or directed; indisposed to be taught, disciplined, or tamed; violent; stubborn; obstinate; refractory; as, an intractable child.

Syn.

– Stubborn; perverse; obstinate; refractory; cross; unmanageable; unruly; headstrong; violent; ungovernable; unteachable.

– In*tract"a*ble*ness, n.

– In*tract"a*bly, adv.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

9 June 2025

HERMAPHRODITE

(noun) one having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs; at birth an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made


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Coffee Trivia

There are more than 50 countries that export coffee. They are near the equator, where the climate is conducive to producing coffee beans.

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