intractable attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intractable attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stubborn or unmanageable mindset that is difficult to change or influence. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to reason with him, his intractable attitude made it impossible to reach a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She plays Suzanne Pujol, whose late father founded an umbrella factory in northern France, which her husband, Robert (the superb Fabrice Luchini), now runs with an intractable attitude to all his workers, except for his secretary, Nadège (Karin Viard), towards whom he is nothing but tractable.

The Guardian - Film

Their intractable attitude and perception of themselves complicates things at work and can go to the extent of pushing peers/subordinates away from cooperating and supporting him, his stand and ideas.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His more intractable attitudes surfaced occasionally during the tours of Australia that he managed in 1974-75 and 1979-80, although mostly offset by basic wisdom, a modest manner and a hard-headed approach to the game.

The Guardian - Sport

And when a study in The New England Journal of Medicine last fall reported that despite all the efforts and new financial incentives, there was no significant decrease in patient injuries, these same enthusiasts were quick to point to the inertia and intractable attitudes of the medical "culture".

The New York Times

But the most intractable problems arise from attitudes that are distinctively public-sector.Most private-sector bosses especially since the bursting of the dot-com bubble hope for nothing more than a return on their investment through lower costs and some improvement in competitiveness.

The Economist

As the years advance and attitudes become intractable to the point of unsustainability, more heartbreaking than the bitterness is the resignation: you are listening to Sharon Van Etten.

Vice

These ingrained attitudes and beliefs about rodents as a nasty, intractable problem are preventing society from overcoming quite significant problems they cause to our health and agriculture.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a violent region of a violent country, ordinary folk embodied new attitudes and methods with which they confronted seemingly intractable world views.

Huffington Post

Given these prevalent convictions and attitudes, slavery was that most un-American item, an inherently intractable and insoluble problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's intractable.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, corruption remained intractable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intractable attitude", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Intractable" suggests something is inherently difficult to manage or change, not simply stubbornness. Use it when the resistance is deeply ingrained.

Common error

Avoid using "intractable attitude" when a simpler term like "stubbornness" or "inflexibility" would suffice. "Intractable" implies a deeply rooted resistance that is difficult to overcome, not just a temporary unwillingness to cooperate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intractable attitude" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing a particular mindset or disposition. It typically serves to modify a noun (e.g., "his intractable attitude"), indicating a resistance to change or influence. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intractable attitude" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deeply ingrained resistance to change. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relatively low frequency suggests that it should be used judiciously, reserving it for situations where the resistance is particularly strong and difficult to overcome. Alternatives like "stubborn mindset" or "unyielding disposition" may be more appropriate in less severe cases. Given its prevalence in news and media, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Be mindful of the subtle connotations when using it in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stubborn mindset

This alternative replaces "intractable" with "stubborn", emphasizing the resistance to change.

unyielding disposition

This phrase uses "unyielding" and "disposition" to convey a similar meaning of inflexibility.

rigid mentality

Replacing "intractable" with "rigid" highlights the inflexibility of the person's thinking.

inflexible outlook

This uses "inflexible" and "outlook" to focus on the unwavering perspective.

obstinate temperament

This alternative emphasizes the stubborn nature of the person's character.

uncompromising stance

This highlights the person's refusal to make concessions or changes.

fixed mindset

This emphasizes the belief that abilities are static and unchangeable.

resistant nature

This focuses on the inherent opposition to change or influence.

difficult personality

This uses a more general term to describe the challenging nature of the person's attitude.

recalcitrant behavior

This focuses on the disobedient or resistant actions resulting from the attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "intractable attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "intractable attitude" to describe someone who is difficult to reason with or whose views are resistant to change. For example: "His "intractable attitude" made negotiations nearly impossible."

What are some alternatives to "intractable attitude"?

Some alternatives to "intractable attitude" include "stubborn mindset", "unyielding disposition", or "rigid mentality". Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

Is it better to say "intractable attitude" or "difficult attitude"?

"Intractable attitude" implies a more deeply rooted and unchangeable resistance than "difficult attitude". Use "intractable" when the problem is particularly severe and resistant to solutions, or use "difficult attitude" when that isn't the case.

When is it appropriate to use the term "intractable"?

"Intractable" is best used to describe problems, situations, or attitudes that are particularly challenging and resistant to change or resolution. It suggests a deeply ingrained quality that makes progress difficult, such as an "intractable problem".