Intransigent
/ɪnˈtrænsɪdʒənt/
adjectiveC2
Definition
Intransigent describes a person or group who will not agree or change their mind in a discussion or conflict. They stay firm in their beliefs or demands and do not accept other ideas or solutions. This word is often used in serious talks like politics or important negotiations.
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See It in Action
Refusing to change opinions or decisions
- •The negotiators were intransigent, so the talks failed.
- •She was intransigent about her demands and would not accept less.
- •His intransigent attitude made it hard to find a solution.
Showing extreme stubbornness in serious situations
- •The political parties remained intransigent despite public pressure.
- •Intransigent leaders often cause conflicts that last a long time.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "intransigent" like "stubborn," but much stronger—someone who will never give up or change their mind
- ✓Picture a solid rock that does not move no matter how hard the wind blows around it
- ✓It's the feeling when you want something very much and refuse to accept any other choice, no matter what
- ✓Sounds like "in-TRANS-i-gent" → imagine a train (TRANS) that cannot stop or change direction, always going straight
- ✓In stories, think of characters who never change their minds, even when it causes problems, like a king refusing to listen to advice
- ✓NOT like "flexible" (open to change)—intransigent means the exact opposite, very fixed and unchanging
- ✓NOT like "stubborn" (can be casual)—intransigent is stronger and often used in serious, formal situations
- ✓NOT like "compromise" (finding middle ground)—intransigent means no middle ground, no agreement
Try Other Words
- •Uncompromising: refusing to make any changes or agreements (use when emphasizing no give in negotiations)
- •Rigid: very fixed and not able to bend or change (use when describing attitudes or rules that don’t change)
- •Obstinate: stubbornly refusing to change opinion (use in formal or literary contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (not) + "transigent" (from Latin "transigere" meaning to come to an agreement or settle)
- •Etymology: From Latin, meaning "not coming to an agreement"
- •Historical development: Used since the 17th century to describe people or groups refusing to compromise
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in politics, law, and serious discussions to describe firm refusal to change
Reflect & Connect
•Can being intransigent ever be a good quality? When might it help or hurt a situation?
•How do you feel when someone is intransigent with you? How does it affect communication or relationships?
Fill in the blanks
1.The talks failed because both sides were intransigent and refused to ___ any points.
2.When someone is intransigent, they show ___ to change even when it might help.
3.Unlike a flexible person, an intransigent person will not ___ their opinion.
4.Intransigent leaders often cause ___ because they do not accept others’ ideas.
5.The word intransigent is often used in serious ___ like politics or business.
6.If you want to solve a problem, being intransigent might make it ___.
7.The negotiators remained intransigent, which made it impossible to ___ a deal.