Intractable

Quick meaning: Intractable is an adjective meaning Not tractable; not able to be managed, controlled, governed or directed.

Meaning

Not tractable; not able to be managed, controlled, governed or directed.

More Meanings

1. (mathematics, of a mathematical problem) Not able to be solved in polynomial time; too difficult to attempt to solve.
2. Difficult to deal with, solve, or manage. (of a problem)
3. Stubborn; obstinate. (of a person)
4. (medicine) Difficult to treat (of a medical condition).

Example Sentences

And I cannot but expect that this will repeatedly lead to the discovery that an initially intractable problem can be factored after all.

Work—bureaucratic work in particular—poses a series of intractable dilemmas that often demand compromises with traditional moral beliefs.

Synonyms for intractable

Depending on context, synonyms include stubborn, recalcitrant, refractory, uncontrollable, balking, unmanageable.

Antonyms for intractable

Common opposites include tractable.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include unmanageable, uncontrollable, unmalleable, recalcitrant, balky, refractory.

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