How Do You Spell UNTRACTABLE?

1. "Untractable" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is difficult to manage, control, or deal with. It is derived from the word "tractable," which means easily controlled or influenced. The prefix "un-" added to "tractable" gives the term a negating effect, indicating the absence of manageability or controllability.

   When applied to a person, "untractable" describes an individual who is stubborn, resistant, or hard to persuade. Such traits can manifest in various contexts, such as an unruly child who refuses to follow instructions or a coworker who is uncooperative and refuses to cooperate with others. In these situations, "untractable" implies that attempts to guide or elicit a more favorable response from the person have been ineffective.

   In a broader sense, "untractable" can also refer to abstract concepts or phenomena that defy resolution or resolution through conventional means. For example, an untractable problem can describe a complex issue with no easy solution or a conflict that is difficult to resolve due to deeply ingrained differences of opinion.

   Overall, the term "untractable" conveys the inherent difficulty associated with managing or controlling certain individuals, situations, or abstract concepts and highlights the challenges that arise when faced with something or someone stubborn, resistant, or hard to influence.

2. Not yielding to common measures and management; stubborn; rough; difficult.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for UNTRACTABLE

The word "untractable" is derived from the combination of the prefix "un-" which expresses negation or reversal, and the word "tractable".

The term "tractable" originates from the Latin word "tractabilis", which means "capable of being handled, managed, or controlled". It comes from the verb "tractare", meaning "to handle or manage".

Therefore, "untractable" is essentially the combination of the prefix "un-" and "tractable", indicating the opposite or absence of being manageable, controllable, or easily handled.