adjective in·trac·ta·ble \(ˌ)in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl\

: not easily managed, controlled, or solved

: not easily relieved or cured

Full Definition of INTRACTABLE

:  not easily manipulated or wrought <intractable metal>
:  not easily relieved or cured <intractable pain>
in·trac·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtrak-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
in·trac·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb


  1. a patient experiencing intractable pain
  2. <an intractable child who deliberately does the opposite of whatever he is told>


Latin intractabilis, from in- + tractabilis tractable
First Known Use: 1531

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

Medical Dictionary


adjective in·trac·ta·ble \(ˈ)in-ˈtrak-tə-bəl\

Medical Definition of INTRACTABLE

:  not easily managed or controlled (as by antibiotics or psychotherapy) <an intractable child> <activity against many intractable Proteus and Pseudomonas species of bacteria—Annual Report Pfizer>
:  not easily relieved or cured <intractable pain> <intractable bleeding in duodenal ulcer—Journal of the American Medical Association>
in·trac·ta·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌtrak-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural in·trac·ta·bil·i·ties


Next Word in the Dictionary: intractablenessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: intracrystallineAll Words Near: intractable
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears