Definition

The quality of being difficult to manage, control, or deal with; stubbornness.

Example

The intractability of the problem made it hard for the team to find a solution.

Conversation

Have you heard about the project’s intractability?

Yeah, it seems like no matter what we try, we can't make progress.

It's frustrating because we invested so much time already.

I know, but we might need to rethink our approach to tackle the intractability.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Intractability → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not), "tractare" (meaning to pull or drag), and "-ability" (meaning the quality of being). The word describes the quality of being not able to be pulled or managed easily, hence difficult to control or deal with.

Memory Tip

Think of something that cannot be easily 'pulled' or managed — 'in-' means not, 'tractare' means to pull, and '-ability' refers to the quality of that state.

Visually Confused Words