intractable
AdjectiveUS[in-trak-tuh-buhl]/ˌɪnˈtræktəbəl/4 syllables
Open English WordNet
Adjective (1)
- not tractable; difficult to manage or mold“an intractable disposition”“intractable pain”“the most intractable issue of our era”“intractable metal”Opposite manipulableSimilar uncontrollable, balking, unmalleable, refractoryRelates to tractability, tractablenessSee also defiant, unmanageable, disobedient, stubborn, wild
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
In·tract′a·ble adjective
Origin: L. intractabilis: cf. F. intraitable, formerly also intractable. See In- not, and Tractable.
Not tractable; not easily governed, managed, or directed; indisposed to be taught, disciplined, or tamed; violent; stubborn; obstinate; refractory; as, an intractable child.
Synonyms: Stubborn; perverse; obstinate; refractory; cross; unmanageable; unruly; headstrong; violent; ungovernable; unteachable.
— In·tract′wb-a1′>′a·ble·ness, noun — In·tract′wb-a1′>′a·bly, adverb
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54