less intractable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less intractable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or problem that is easier to manage or resolve than it was previously. Example: "After several discussions, the issue became less intractable, allowing us to find a workable solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

People have come to blows over less intractable questions.

The Guardian - Books

In an industry famous for its ephemerality, the brand has remained more or less intractable.

The New York Times

But Stephie's foster mother is less intractable than she first seems.

The New York Times

What they call "paratransgenesis" -- genetic modification of a bacterium inside the bug -- potentially raises less intractable problems.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is doubtful that the public-intellectual market is a more debilitating or less intractable feature of contemporary American culture than these other affronts to the fastidious".

The New York Times - Books

Freud was on less intractable ground with the award-winning television commercial in which he and his bloodhound friend Henry - in reality a number of different dogs, all equally hangdog in appearance to him - endorsed Minced Morsels.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And since then, especially after the relationship disintegrated into all-out conflict, it has seemed increasingly unthinkable that the Israelis and the Palestinians would find a way to broach -- much less resolve -- intractable differences on the thorniest issues.

The New York Times

Patients are assigned priority 1 if they require CABG urgently (eg, left main coronary artery stenosis greater than 70%, MRWT three days); priority 2 if there is moderate urgency (eg persistent unstable angina, MRWT six weeks); or priority 3 if there is less urgency (eg intractable chronic angina, MRWT 12 weeks).

BMC Health Services Research

The gun-control debate seemed more intractable, not less.

The New Yorker

Although less common, chronic and intractable back pain can lead to serious, permanent disability.

UHMWPE Biomaterials Handbook Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Total Joint Replacement and Medical Devices

The world has been broadly successful in harnessing economic growth to improve delivery of basic needs, but rising wealth is less effective in tackling more intractable, less tangible problems like intolerance and exclusion, and policies to tackle these are needed, according to the latest Social Progress Index.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less intractable", ensure that the context clearly establishes what was previously intractable. Providing a specific point of comparison strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "less intractable" when the situation is still significantly difficult. The phrase implies a noticeable improvement, not just a marginal one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less intractable" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced degree of difficulty or stubbornness. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests that a previously unmanageable issue is now more amenable to resolution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less intractable" is a phrase used to describe a situation or problem that has become easier to manage or resolve. As Ludwig AI underlines, this comparative adjective finds its primary usage in news and media, alongside scientific discussions, conveying a sense of progress. While grammatically correct and well-received in various contexts, be sure to establish a clear point of comparison. When a higher degree of difficulty persists, it may be best to find alternatives like "more manageable" or "easier to handle". The use of such alternatives will improve understanding by reducing potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more manageable

Emphasizes the increased ease of handling or dealing with something.

easier to handle

Highlights the reduction in difficulty required to manage a situation or problem.

less challenging

Focuses on the reduced level of difficulty or demands presented.

more easily resolved

Indicates a higher likelihood and simplicity in finding a solution.

less complicated

Implies a reduction in the number of interconnected parts or steps involved.

more tractable

Indicates something is easier to influence or direct.

more amenable to resolution

Suggests a greater willingness or capacity for finding a solution.

less resistant to change

Highlights a reduction in opposition or difficulty in implementing changes.

more pliable

Suggests increased flexibility and adaptability.

more adaptable

Highlights the increased ability to adjust to new conditions or requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "less intractable" to describe a problem or situation that has become easier to manage or resolve over time. For example: "After several discussions, the issue became "less intractable", allowing us to find a workable solution."

What are some alternatives to saying "less intractable"?

Alternatives to "less intractable" include "more manageable", "easier to handle", or "less challenging", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "less intractable" the same as "more tractable"?

"Less intractable" means something is becoming easier to deal with, while "more tractable" means something is easier to influence or control. Although related, they emphasize slightly different aspects of reduced difficulty.

When is it appropriate to use "less intractable" instead of "intractable"?

Use "less intractable" when a situation that was previously considered impossible or extremely difficult to resolve has shown signs of improvement or progress. If the problem remains severe without tangible improvement, use "intractable".