Meaning of intractable in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˌɪnˈtræktəb(ə)l/

   US accent

   How to pronounce intractable in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce intractable in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Qualitative Adjective

   intractable

   Etymology

   late 15th century: from Latin intractabilis, from in-‘not’ + tractabilis (see tractable)

   Definitions

   1. not tractable

   Examples

   • « difficult to manage or mold »
   • « an intractable disposition »
   • « intractable pain »
   • « the most intractable issue of our era »
   • « intractable metal »

   Synonyms

   • recalcitrant
   • refractory
   • refractory
   • stubborn
   • uncontrollable
   • unmanageable
   • unmalleable
   • balking
   • balky

   Antonyms

   • tractable
   • manipulable

See also

• defiant
• disobedient
• stubborn
• unmanageable
• wild