Intractable vs. Intransigent — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
Intractable problems are stubbornly difficult to manage or solve, whereas intransigent people stubbornly refuse to change their views.
Difference Between Intractable and Intransigent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intractable refers to problems or situations that are extremely difficult to manage or solve due to their complexity or severity. Whereas, intransigent typically describes a person who is uncompromising and refuses to change their views or agree to an alternative.
Intractable issues often involve multifaceted challenges with no clear solution, making progress slow and frustrating. On the other hand, intransigent individuals can hinder negotiations or discussions, as they remain rigid in their stance regardless of the circumstances or logical arguments presented.
Intractable can apply to both situations and to some extent, people, when their behavior becomes consistently difficult to change or manage. Whereas, intransigent is exclusively used to describe an attitude or approach of a person, especially in social, political, or professional contexts.
The term intractable often appears in medical, technological, or scientific discussions, highlighting problems that resist current solutions. Meanwhile, intransigent is more common in political or social discourse, underlining the refusal to move from a position.
In dealing with intractable problems, innovative strategies or breakthroughs may be required to make headway. In contrast, dealing with intransigent individuals might require mediation, compromise from other parties, or a change in the dynamics of communication.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Difficult to manage or solve
Unwilling to change views or agree on an alternative
Usage Context
Problems, situations
People, attitudes
Common Fields
Medicine, science, technology
Politics, negotiations, personal relationships
Solution Approach
Requires innovative solutions or breakthroughs
May need mediation or compromises
Implies
Complexity and resistance to current solutions
Stubbornness and refusal to change
Compare with Definitions
Intractable
Persisting despite efforts to influence or control.
The disease was intractable, resisting all attempted interventions.
Intransigent
Showing no signs of concession or conciliation.
In the face of criticism, he remained intransigent.
Intractable
Hard to manipulate or shape.
The material's intractable properties challenged the engineers.
Intransigent
Uncompromising and inflexible.
His intransigent stance during negotiations led to a stalemate.
Intractable
Difficult to solve or manage.
The intractable nature of the conflict made peace talks futile.
Intransigent
Refusing to change views or cooperate.
The intransigent leader would not consider any compromise.
Intractable
Resisting control or authority.
The intractable student continually disrupted the class.
Intransigent
Firmly resisting any change of position.
Even under pressure, she was intransigent about her decisions.
Intractable
Not easily governed, managed, or directed.
The project became intractable due to multiple unforeseen obstacles.
Intransigent
Stubbornly adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course.
Her intransigent loyalty to the old policy prevented progress.
Intractable
Difficult to manage, deal with, or change to an acceptable condition
An intractable conflict.
An intractable dilemma.
Intransigent
Refusing to moderate a position, especially an extreme position; uncompromising.
Intractable
Difficult to alleviate, remedy, or cure
Intractable pain.
Intractable depression.
Intransigent
Unwilling to compromise or moderate a position; unreasonable.
Don't waste your time trying to change his mind: he's completely intransigent.
Intractable
Difficult to persuade or keep under control, as in behavior
"Bullheaded enough when he was cold sober, he was intractable after a few drinks" (John Grisham).
Intransigent
A person who is intransigent.
Intractable
Difficult to mold or manipulate
Intractable materials.
Intransigent
Refusing compromise; uncompromising; inflexible; irreconcilable.
Intractable
Not tractable; not able to be managed, controlled, governed or directed.
Intransigent
Not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course; unsusceptible to persuasion;
He is adamant in his refusal to change his mind
Cynthia was inexorable; she would have none of him
An intransigent conservative opposed to every liberal tendancy
Intractable
(maths) of a mathematical problem Not able to be solved.
Intractable
Difficult to deal with, solve, or manage.
Intractable
Stubborn; obstinate.
Intractable
(medicine) Difficult to treat (of a medical condition).
Intractable
Not tractable; not easily governed, managed, or directed; indisposed to be taught, disciplined, or tamed; violent; stubborn; obstinate; refractory; as, an intractable child.
Intractable
Not tractable; difficult to manage or mold;
An intractable disposition
Intractable pain
The most intractable issue of our era
Intractable metal
Common Curiosities
Is intransigent always a negative trait?
While often viewed negatively, being intransigent can sometimes be seen as a sign of strong principles.
How can one deal with an intractable problem?
Dealing with an intractable problem typically requires innovative thinking and alternative approaches.
Can a person be described as intractable?
Yes, a person can be described as intractable when they are extremely difficult to manage or change.
What is the difference between stubborn and intransigent?
Stubbornness is a general term for unyielding adherence to an opinion, while intransigent specifically implies a refusal to change one's views or to agree to compromise.
What does intractable mean in medical terms?
In medical terms, intractable often refers to a condition that is difficult to treat or manage.
What are typical examples of intractable problems?
Typical examples include climate change, poverty, and chronic diseases, which are complex and resist simple solutions.
Is intransigence a learned behavior or inherent trait?
Intransigence can be both a learned behavior influenced by experiences and an inherent trait influenced by personality.
How does one typically handle an intransigent individual in negotiations?
Handling an intransigent individual often requires patience, understanding their motivations, and sometimes involving mediators or third parties.
Can intractability of a problem be temporary?
Yes, the intractability of a problem can be temporary if new technologies, methodologies, or information emerge that provide viable solutions.
Are there industries where intractability is more common?
Yes, industries like healthcare, environmental science, and cybersecurity often face intractable problems due to their complexity.
What role does innovation play in solving intractable issues?
Innovation plays a crucial role, often providing the breakthroughs needed to address the root causes of intractable issues effectively.
Can intransigence be a positive characteristic in any scenario?
Intransigence can be positive when it involves adhering to ethical standards or fundamental principles in the face of adversity.
What skills are effective against intractable problems?
Critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary approaches are effective skills in tackling intractable problems.
Does being intransigent affect personal relationships?
Yes, being intransigent can strain or damage personal relationships as it often prevents compromise and mutual understanding.
How does societal change affect the perception of intransigence?
Societal changes can shift the perception of intransigence, sometimes valorizing it as principled resistance or criticizing it as obstructive, depending on the context and values of the time.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
