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