INTRACTABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does intractable mean? 

• INTRACTABLE (adjective)
  The adjective INTRACTABLE has 1 sense:

1. not tractable; difficult to manage or mold

  Familiarity information: INTRACTABLE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INTRACTABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not tractable; difficult to manage or mold

Context example:

intractable metal

Similar:

balking; balky (stopping short and refusing to go on)

refractory; stubborn (not responding to treatment)

uncontrollable; unmanageable (difficult to solve or alleviate)

unmalleable (difficult or impossible to shape or work)

Also:

defiant; noncompliant (boldly resisting authority or an opposing force)

difficult; unmanageable (hard to control)

disobedient (not obeying or complying with commands of those in authority)

obstinate; stubborn; unregenerate (tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield)

untamed; wild (in a natural state; not tamed or domesticated or cultivated)

Attribute:

flexibility; tractability; tractableness (the trait of being easily persuaded)

Antonym:

tractable (easily managed (controlled or taught or molded))

Derivation:

intractability; intractableness (the trait of being hard to influence or control)

 Context examples 

He has a sullen, rebellious spirit; a violent temper; and an untoward, intractable disposition.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It is often used in the treatment of intractable chronic lower back pain, cancer pain, and other painful disorders.

(Peripheral Electronic Nerve Stimulation, NCI Thesaurus)

A minimally invasive form of electroanalgesia, similar to PENS but using deeper needles depths, that is used to treat intractable chronic lower back pain, cancer pain, and other painful disorders.

(Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy, NCI Thesaurus)

It also has a depressant action on the cough center and may be given to control intractable cough associated with terminal lung cancer.

(Methadone hydrochloride, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Severe, intractable vomiting during pregnancy (usually the first trimester) accompanied by dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.

(Hyperemesis Gravidarum, NCI Thesaurus)

When he looked about him for another and a less intractable damsel to immortalize in melody, memory produced one with the most obliging readiness.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Some of them are unmannered, rough, intractable, as well as ignorant; but others are docile, have a wish to learn, and evince a disposition that pleases me.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)