Unresolved feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unresolved feelings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe emotions or sentiments that have not been fully processed or addressed, often in the context of relationships or personal experiences. Example: "After the breakup, I found myself grappling with a lot of unresolved feelings that I needed to sort through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unresolved feelings bubbled up in him to the very end: "Isn't Hollywood a dump," he wrote to a friend in 1940, "in the human sense of the word.

The New Yorker

Unresolved feelings of resentment or anger can also contribute.

Forbes

Unresolved feelings and injuries from childhood impact our romantic pattern of behavior.

Huffington Post

The pain gets bigger and bigger because each encounter touches into the mother load of unresolved feelings you carry around from similar experiences in the past and you feel more "wrong" and "disconnected" with each new encounter.

Huffington Post

You've been hauling around those unresolved feelings for 10 years.

The New York Times - Style

But what to do with those unresolved feelings?

The New York Times

"He either has a great hand or I have unresolved feelings about my mother".

The New Yorker

"I have a lot of unresolved feelings about being here," she explained.

The New York Times

First of all, Elvis still hovers here because of unresolved feelings about his mother, Gladys.

The New York Times - Books

Since few of the incidents are ever formally investigated, many families are left with unresolved feelings of bitterness.

The New York Times

Finally, in "Briar Rose," Sleeping Beauty tries to face up to the poet's unresolved feelings about family and life itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal growth or therapeutic processes, using "unresolved feelings" can effectively convey the ongoing work of processing emotions. For example, you can say "Therapy helped me address my unresolved feelings about my childhood."

Common error

While "unresolved feelings" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language might be appropriate. Instead of just stating someone has "unresolved feelings", specify the type of emotion (e.g., grief, resentment) and its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unresolved feelings" functions as a noun phrase, where "unresolved" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "feelings". This phrase typically describes emotions that have not been fully processed, addressed, or resolved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unresolved feelings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes emotions which haven't been fully processed or addressed. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate in a variety of contexts, though it may be wise to opt for more precise language in formal settings. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media sources, as well as science publications. When writing about personal development, emotional states, or interpersonal relationships, the phrase "unresolved feelings" effectively captures the state of incomplete emotional processing. Consider alternative phrases like "lingering emotions" or "unprocessed emotions" to fine-tune the meaning. Avoid overuse and consider the specific emotional context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lingering emotions

Emphasizes the continued presence of feelings without necessarily implying they are problematic or require resolution.

Unsettled emotions

Highlights the state of unease or disturbance associated with the feelings.

Unprocessed emotions

Focuses on the lack of cognitive or emotional processing of the feelings.

Lingering sentiments

Similar to "lingering emotions" but may refer to more complex or deeply held feelings.

Unaddressed emotions

Highlights the lack of attention or acknowledgment given to the feelings.

Suppressed feelings

Indicates that the feelings are being consciously or unconsciously held back.

Bottled-up emotions

Suggests that the feelings are being contained and may eventually explode.

Unacknowledged feelings

Similar to "unaddressed emotions" but emphasizes the lack of recognition of the feelings.

Unexorcised demons

Uses a more metaphorical and intense expression for unresolved emotional issues.

Emotional baggage

Refers to the burden of past unresolved emotional issues.

FAQs

How can I use "unresolved feelings" in a sentence?

You can use "unresolved feelings" to describe emotions that haven't been fully processed or dealt with. For example: "After the argument, I was left with a lot of unresolved feelings."

What are some alternatives to "unresolved feelings"?

Alternatives include "lingering emotions", "unsettled emotions", or "unprocessed emotions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unresolved feelings" or "suppressed feelings"?

The choice depends on the context. "Unresolved feelings" suggests that the emotions haven't been adequately addressed, while "suppressed feelings" indicates that emotions are being actively held back or hidden.

What is the difference between "unresolved feelings" and "emotional baggage"?

"Unresolved feelings" refers to specific emotions that haven't been fully processed, while "emotional baggage" is a broader term encompassing the accumulated burden of past unresolved emotional issues.