Unresolved: meaning, definitions and examples

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unresolved

 

[ˌʌnrɪˈzɒlvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

issue

Not resolved or decided

Synonyms

pending, undecided, unsettled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unresolved

Use this word to describe a problem or issue that has not been settled or solved yet. It often implies a serious or significant matter.

  • The conflict remains unresolved
  • There are still many unresolved questions
unsettled

This word can describe both a state of anxiety and a situation or issue that has not been resolved or stabilized. It has a slightly negative connotation.

  • She felt unsettled after hearing the news
  • The matter remains unsettled
pending

This word is mostly used in official or formal contexts, often referring to a decision, event, or situation that is awaiting a resolution or is in process.

  • Your application is still pending
  • The decision is pending approval
undecided

This word is appropriate when referring to situations or choices where no firm decision has yet been made, often involving personal decisions or elections.

  • I am still undecided about my vacation plans
  • The voters are still undecided

Examples of usage

  • The conflict remains unresolved.
  • The issue is still unresolved after weeks of discussion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'resolve', which means to find a solution. Adding 'un-' means the opposite of finding a solution.
  • It first appeared in English text in the 16th century, often related to disputes or conflicts that remained unsettled.

Psychology

  • In psychological contexts, unresolved issues can lead to stress or anxiety if not addressed.
  • The concept of unresolved conflict is key in therapy, as therapists help people face and settle these hidden issues.

Literature

  • In storytelling, unresolved plots can create tension, prompting readers to crave outcomes, often seen in cliffhangers.
  • Classic novels often explore unresolved emotions, showcasing characters' internal conflicts and growth throughout their journeys.

Conflict Resolution

  • Unresolved conflicts in negotiations can lead to long-term issues and hinder relationships if not managed correctly.
  • Mediation is a technique used to resolve disputes, aiming to reach agreements on issues that remain unresolved.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often leave certain storylines unresolved, leading to sequels or spin-offs to satisfy eager fans.
  • Music frequently addresses unresolved feelings in relationships, illustrating the emotional impact of open-ended situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "unresolved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não resolvido

🇮🇳 असुलझा हुआ

🇩🇪 ungelöst

🇮🇩 belum terselesaikan

🇺🇦 нерозв'язаний

🇵🇱 nierozwiązany

🇯🇵 未解決 (mikaiketsu)

🇫🇷 non résolu

🇪🇸 no resuelto

🇹🇷 çözülmemiş

🇰🇷 미해결 (mihaegyeol)

🇸🇦 غير محلول

🇨🇿 nevyřešený

🇸🇰 nerozriešený

🇨🇳 未解决的 (wèi jiějué de)

🇸🇮 nerazrešen

🇮🇸 óleyst

🇰🇿 шешілмеген

🇬🇪 განუხორციელებელი

🇦🇿 həll olunmamış

🇲🇽 no resuelto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,313, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.