- Today's Word
Intractable
in-TRAK-tuh-buhl
Definition
- (adjective) Difficult to manage, control, or solve; stubborn.
Example
The negotiations became intractable when neither side would compromise.
Fun Fact
Intractability has been studied in psychology and conflict resolution. From difficult personalities to historical conflicts that seem impossible to resolve, the key to dealing with intractable problems often lies in patience, diplomacy, and creativity. Even legendary figures like Winston Churchill were famously intractable, refusing to back down even in dire situations.
(adjective) focused on practical results and real-world consequences rather than ideals, theories, or abstract principles.
Instead of arguing over perfect solutions, she took a pragmatic approach and fixed what could be done immediately.
Pragmatic traces back to the Greek word pragmatikos, meaning “relating to deeds or actions,” from pragma (“thing done” or “action”). It entered English in the late 16th century, originally referring to people skilled in managing practical affairs, before evolving into its modern meaning of valuing usefulness and outcomes over theory.