What does irresolvable mean?
Irresolvable is an adjective describing a problem, dispute, question, or conflict that cannot be resolved, settled, or solved. It is especially common in discussions of serious disagreements, such as political conflicts, interpersonal disputes, and questions of law or principle. The word is more formal and emphatic than saying that something is merely difficult or impossible to settle. For example, a mediator might conclude that an irresolvable difference prevents two parties from reaching agreement. The prefix ir- means “not,” while resolve refers to determining, settling, or solving a matter. As a result, the word suggests finality: it describes a difficulty that cannot be overcome through the ordinary available means. The related noun irresolvability names the quality of being irresolvable, and the adverb irresolvably describes something done in that manner.
adjectiveUnable to be resolved, settled, or solved. Used especially of problems, disputes, questions, or conflicts that cannot be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
- Incapable of being resolved, settled, or solved.
"The committee acknowledged that the long-running dispute was effectively irresolvable."
"The two communities remained divided by an irresolvable disagreement over land ownership."
"Researchers concluded that the technical failure was an irresolvable problem given the available materials."
Some conflicts are not merely difficult to solve: their structure makes a lasting resolution impossible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does irresolvable come from?
Irresolvable was formed in the 17th century from the Latin-derived adjective resolve, meaning “to determine, settle, or solve,” together with the negative prefix ir-. The underlying Latin verb resolvere meant “to loosen, unwind, or explain,” and later acquired the sense of resolving a question or difficulty. The same root is reflected in English words such as resolve, resolution, resolute, and resolvent.
Related word forms
How irresolvable is actually used
This is a formal word, commonly used for disputes, conflicts, questions, and problems. It is more emphatic than simply saying that something is difficult to solve.
Easily confused with irresolvable
A resolvable problem can be settled or solved, whereas an irresolvable one cannot be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.