unresolved

Everyday

Unresolved means not yet settled, solved or answered: an unresolved problem or argument is still going on. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, unresolved problems keep the reader turning pages, and a cliffhanger leaves things unresolved until the next book. In science and maths, an unresolved question has no answer yet. In everyday life, unresolved arguments between friends can make people unhappy. Phrases: «remain unresolved», «unresolved issues», «an unresolved mystery».

Examples

• The mystery of the missing cake remained unresolved. tree →
• The argument between the two friends is still unresolved. tree →
• The book ends with the main problem unresolved, so we want the sequel. tree →
• Some questions in science are still unresolved. tree →
• The teacher helped us sort out our unresolved disagreement. tree →
• The court case is unresolved. tree →

Note

Adjective. From «resolve» (to settle, to solve). Opposite: resolved, settled, solved. Common pattern: «remain unresolved».