Intractable \In*tract"a*ble\, a. [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. Syn: Stubborn; perverse; obstinate; refractory; cross; unmanageable; unruly; headstrong; violent; ungovernable; unteachable. -- {In*tract"a*ble*ness}, n. -- {In*tract"a*bly}, adv. web1913

intractable adj : not tractable; difficult to manage or mold; "an intractable disposition"; "intractable pain"; "the most intractable issue of our era"; "intractable metal" [ant: {tractable}] wn