adj
intractable
Intractable (adj) means Impossible or very hard to manage, control or direct.
adj
1
Impossible or very hard to manage, control or direct.
"And I cannot but expect that this will repeatedly lead to the discovery that an initially intractable problem can be factored after all."
— Edsger W. Dijkstra, The Humble Programmer (EWD340) (1972)
2
(computing) Taking far too long to work out by computer, so it is treated as unsolvable in practice.
3
(of a problem) Very hard to deal with or find a solution for.
"Work—bureaucratic work in particular—poses a series of intractable dilemmas that often demand compromises with traditional moral beliefs."
— Robert Jackall, Chapter 1: Moral Probations, Old and New (1988)
4
(of a person) Refusing to change their mind or behaviour; very stubborn.
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See all rhymes for intractable →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of intractable?
"intractable" (adj) means impossible or very hard to manage, control or direct.
What is the opposite of intractable?
The opposite of "intractable" is tractable.
What are the different meanings of intractable?
"intractable" has 3 main meanings: 1. Impossible or very hard to manage, control or direct; 2. (computing) Taking far too long to work out by computer, so it is treated as unsolvable in practice; 3. (of a problem) Very hard to deal with or find a solution for.
