cannot be resolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot be resolved' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate that a problem is too difficult, complex, or contentious to be solved. For example: "The dispute between the two parties cannot be resolved, so it is going to court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It cannot be resolved without dialogue.

The Guardian

This cannot be resolved at national level.

The Guardian

"This is not an issue that cannot be resolved.

The New York Times

Criminal investigations cannot be resolved by political elections.

The New York Times

Because of this, it cannot be resolved easily or swiftly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously, the contradictions cannot be resolved without costly frictions.

The New York Times

Kosovo cannot be resolved without agreement from the Serbs.

The New York Times

Mr. Abashidze later said, "The meeting showed that there are no issues that cannot be resolved".

The New York Times

And, if matters cannot be resolved, the public still has the right of legal redress.

The Guardian

"In my eyes, there are no problems that cannot be resolved".

The Guardian

The problems that European states face simply cannot be resolved alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be resolved", ensure the context clearly explains why the resolution is impossible, intractable, or otherwise unattainable. Providing specific reasons will strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be resolved" when the issue is merely difficult or complex but not definitively impossible to solve. Overusing this phrase can undermine credibility if solutions are eventually found. Use phrases like "remains challenging" or "difficult to resolve" when a possible solution still exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be resolved" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular issue, conflict, or problem is impossible to solve or settle. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be resolved" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the impossibility of finding a solution to a problem or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and versatile, with applications spanning across news, scientific literature, and general discourse.

While alternatives like "is unsolvable" or "is intractable" exist, "cannot be resolved" provides a balanced and widely understood way to communicate the lack of a viable solution. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly supports the claim of irresolvability to maintain credibility. Avoid overstating the impossibility if a solution is still potentially attainable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unresolvable

Focuses on the inherent impossibility of finding a solution.

is irresolvable

Similar to 'unresolvable' but perhaps implying a more active attempt has failed.

is unsolvable

Simple and direct statement that no solution exists.

is intractable

Highlights the difficulty and stubbornness of the problem.

is beyond solution

Emphasizes that the problem exceeds the capacity for a solution.

is not amenable to resolution

Indicates the problem is not suitable for a straightforward resolution process.

is not fixable

Focuses on the impossibility of repairing or correcting the situation.

is irreconcilable

Suggests the conflict or differences are too great to be harmonized.

defies resolution

Emphasizes the resistance of the problem to any attempts at solving it.

is insurmontable

Highlights that the obstacles are too great to overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be resolved" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be resolved" to indicate a situation or problem that is impossible to solve or fix. For instance, "The conflict between the two departments "cannot be resolved" without external mediation".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be resolved"?

Alternatives include "is unsolvable", "is intractable", or "is irreconcilable", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot be resolved" or "cannot be solved"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "cannot be resolved" often implies a more complex or nuanced issue than "cannot be solved". "Cannot be resolved" is often used for disputes or conflicts, while "cannot be solved" is used for problems or puzzles.

What does it mean when something "cannot be resolved to satisfaction"?

It means that despite efforts to find a solution, the outcome does not meet the expectations or needs of one or more parties involved. This suggests a compromise couldn't be reached or the problem's inherent nature prevents a fully satisfactory resolution.