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intractable

adjective
in·​trac·​ta·​ble | \ (ˌ)in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl How to pronounce intractable (audio) \

Definition of intractable

1 : not easily governed, managed, or directed intractable problems
2 : not easily manipulated or shaped intractable metal
3 : not easily relieved or cured intractable pain
Other Words from intractable Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about intractable

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Other Words from intractable

intractability \ (ˌ)in-​ˌtrak-​tə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce intractability (audio) \ noun
intractably \ (ˌ)in-​ˈtrak-​tə-​blē How to pronounce intractably (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for intractable

unruly, ungovernable, intractable, refractory, recalcitrant, willful, headstrong mean not submissive to government or control. unruly implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior. unruly children ungovernable implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others. ungovernable rage intractable suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control. intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump refractory stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold. special schools for refractory children recalcitrant suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority. acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace willful implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way. a willful disregard for the rights of others headstrong suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion. a headstrong young cavalry officer

Examples of intractable in a Sentence

Contrary to the idea of black holes sucking everything, even light, into inconceivable nothingness, Hawking proposed that there was one thing that could escape a black hole's intractable grip: thermal radiation … — Bruno Maddox, Discover, September 2006 Sepsis, which is what happens to the body when an infection goes bad, is one of mankind's oldest and most intractable foes. — Leon Jaroff, Time, 24 July 2000 But now anesthesiologists have begun turning to an herb to help treat a deadly and often intractable lung condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people a year. — Eric Nagourney, New York Times, 26 Oct. 1999 a patient experiencing intractable pain an intractable child who deliberately does the opposite of whatever he is told
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Not only are the chances of such a deal on two intractable political issues slim to none, but also the notion of melding the two policy debates gives legitimacy to mass shooters with racist manifestos. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, The Mercury News, "Editorial: Trump shows he’s not serious about ending mass shootings," 6 Aug. 2019 Gun violence has been one of the most divisive and intractable issues in Washington, and even gun control advocates conceded that getting the House bill through the Senate would be a heavy lift. — Sheryl Gay Stolberg, BostonGlobe.com, "‘Red flag’ gun control bills gain favor with GOP in Congress," 6 Aug. 2019 Raines, 31, has been eligible for a legal prescription of medical marijuana since 2015, when Texas lawmakers approved the Compassionate Use Program for patients with intractable epilepsy. — chicagotribune.com, "Will Texans give up gun rights to get medical marijuana? Federal government says they have to," 5 Aug. 2019 The two sides have been locked in an intractable tit-for-tat economic war, with China meeting Mr. Trump’s tariffs with punishment of its own. — New York Times, "China’s Currency Moves Escalate Trade War, Rattling Markets," 5 Aug. 2019 Determining what people need to hear about is more subjective, but there is no bigger or more intractable problem facing humanity than global warming. — Emily Atkin, The New Republic, "Climate Change Is Finally Getting the Attention It Deserved 20 Years Ago," 1 Aug. 2019 But polls show concern about the prices of breakthrough medications for intractable illnesses like cancer or hepatitis C infection, whose annual costs can run to $100,000 or much more. — Fortune, "Trump Administration to Allow Americans to Get Cheaper Drugs from Canada," 31 July 2019 But polls show concern about the prices of breakthrough medications for intractable illnesses like cancer or hepatitis C infection, whose costs can run to $100,000 or more. — NBC News, "U.S. to set up plan allowing prescription drugs from Canada," 31 July 2019 But polls show concern about the prices of breakthrough medications for intractable illnesses like cancer or hepatitis C infection, whose annual costs can run to $100,000 or much more. — Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, Twin Cities, "US to set up plan allowing prescription meds from Canada," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intractable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of intractable

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for intractable

Latin intractabilis, from in- + tractabilis tractable

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More Definitions for intractable

intractable

adjective
How to pronounce intractable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intractable

formal
: not easily managed, controlled, or solved
: not easily relieved or cured

See the full definition for intractable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intractable

adjective
in·​trac·​ta·​ble | \ (ˈ)in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl How to pronounce

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