What does unresolved mean?
Unresolved is an adjective meaning not settled, decided, solved, or explained. It is commonly used for issues and disputes that remain open, as well as for problems, mysteries, and questions whose answers are still unclear. The word often carries a sense of continuing difficulty or uncertainty: an unresolved matter has not merely been postponed but may still require investigation, negotiation, or judgment. In news reporting and formal discussion, “unresolved issue” frequently describes a subject on which agreement has not been reached. In descriptions of crimes or investigations, “unresolved case” emphasizes the absence of a definitive explanation. Although unresolved can describe something left unfinished, its connotation commonly suggests a situation that remains significant or troublesome. The word is a direct formation from resolve, using the negative prefix un-, and it is used similarly in British and American English.
adjectiveNot settled, decided, or solved; remaining open or requiring further attention. It can describe a dispute, issue, question, or problem that has not yet reached a clear conclusion.
- Not settled, decided, or brought to a conclusion.
- Not solved or explained, especially in relation to a problem, mystery, or question.
"The committee worked for several hours but reached no decision on the unresolved dispute."
"Negotiators continued their discussions in an effort to settle the unresolved dispute."
"The detective could not explain several unresolved details in the case."
Unresolved is the linguistic opposite of a plot twist: the question stays open, the dispute stays alive, and the answer refuses to arrive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unresolved come from?
Unresolved was formed in English by combining the prefix un- with resolve, meaning to determine, settle, or solve. The base word resolve comes through Old French and Latin from resolvere, a form of re- and solvere, meaning to loosen or untie and, by extension, to settle or explain. Related English words include resolution and resolute, all belonging to the same Latin family.
How unresolved is actually used
Unresolved is formal but widely used in news, academic, legal, and professional contexts. It often implies that a matter is still active or awaiting a decision, rather than simply being unfinished.
Easily confused with unresolved
Unsolved is especially common for mysteries, crimes, and mathematical problems, whereas unresolved is often used for matters that remain unsettled or undecided.