intractable

[ in-trak-tuh-buhl ]
/ ɪnˈtræk tə bəl /

adjective

not easily controlled or directed; not docile or manageable; stubborn; obstinate: an intractable disposition.
(of things) hard to shape or work with: an intractable metal.
hard to treat, relieve, or cure: the intractable pain in his leg.

noun

an intractable person.

Origin of intractable

From the Latin word intractābilis, dating back to 1535–45. See in-3, tractable

OTHER WORDS FROM intractable

in·trac·ta·bil·i·ty, in·trac·ta·ble·ness, noun in·trac·ta·bly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for intractable

British Dictionary definitions for intractable

intractable
/ (ɪnˈtræktəbəl) /

adjective

difficult to influence or direct an intractable disposition
(of a problem, illness, etc) difficult to solve, alleviate, or cure
difficult to shape or mould, esp with the hands

Derived forms of intractable

intractability or intractableness, noun intractably, adverb

Medical definitions for intractable

intractable
[ ĭn-trăktə-bəl ]

adj.

Difficult to manage or govern; stubborn.
Difficult to alleviate, remedy, or cure.

Other words from intractable

in•trac′ta•bili•ty n.