inability to resolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to resolve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a failure or lack of capacity to find a solution to a problem or conflict. Example: "The team's inability to resolve the ongoing issues has led to delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the inability to resolve the dispute reflected a deeper standoff, analysts said.

The New York Times

"Political neglect" is not the root cause of congestion, but certainly contributes to our current inability to resolve it.

The New York Times

"Investors may perceive that a CEO's inability to resolve a conflict may be indicative of a bigger leadership problem at the company," King says.

The Guardian

Turnbull's inability to resolve these issues internally leaves little positive about his agenda but a blind faith in trickle down economics and trade liberalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this is to deny Labour's inability to resolve the contradiction – not so much a broad church as fragments in search of unity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue threatened to undermine the election, and Parliament's inability to resolve it had become a symbol of Iraq's political dysfunction.

The New York Times

Will he prove to be a Jimmy Carter, whose presidency was poisoned by his inability to resolve the Iranian hostage crisis?

The New York Times

I believe that the end of our planet will come because of our inability to resolve our differences without resorting to war.

The New York Times

Iraq's government, still populated by exiles who returned after the American invasion of 2003, has shown a remarkable inability to resolve that country's most pressing questions.

The New York Times

"Our representatives' inability to resolve their differences has caused severe disruptions in the lives of many low-income Americans," they said.

The New York Times

Big countries like Germany have reacted to the inability to resolve the crisis by resorting to economic and political repression, including tighter supervision of national budgets.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inability to resolve", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is not being resolved. Be specific about the subject or issue.

Common error

Avoid using "inability to resolve" as a way to obscure responsibility. Instead of saying "The problem was due to an inability to resolve the conflict", consider a more direct statement like "The team failed to resolve the conflict, which caused the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to resolve" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of being unable to find a solution or settle a dispute. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid and useful expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inability to resolve" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a lack of capacity to find a solution or settle a dispute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and useful phrase in English, suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. While alternatives like "failure to resolve" or "lack of resolution" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When using "inability to resolve", ensure clarity about the issue being discussed and be mindful of avoiding passive voice to maintain directness in your writing. Frequent authoritative sources using this expression include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure to resolve

Replaces "inability" with "failure", emphasizing the lack of success in resolving something.

unsuccessful in resolving

Highlights the lack of success in the attempt to resolve an issue.

incapacity to resolve

Substitutes "inability" with "incapacity", highlighting a lack of inherent power or capacity.

incapable of resolving

Uses a different grammatical structure to express the same meaning of lacking the ability to resolve.

failure to settle

Replaces "resolve" with "settle", focusing on reaching an agreement or compromise.

powerlessness to resolve

Highlights the lack of power or authority to bring about a resolution.

helplessness in resolving

Emphasizes a feeling of being unable to effect a solution, implying a lack of resources or support.

deficiency in resolving

Focuses on the lack of a necessary quality or ability required for resolution.

lack of resolution

Shifts the focus to the absence of a resolved state or outcome.

absence of a solution

Emphasizes the non-existence of a solution rather than the inability to find one.

FAQs

How can I use "inability to resolve" in a sentence?

You can use "inability to resolve" to describe a situation where someone or something is unable to find a solution to a problem. For example, "The government's inability to resolve the economic crisis led to widespread discontent."

What are some alternatives to "inability to resolve"?

Some alternatives include "failure to resolve", "incapacity to resolve", or "lack of resolution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "inability to resolve" or "failure to resolve"?

Both "inability to resolve" and "failure to resolve" are correct. "Inability" focuses on the lack of capacity, while "failure" emphasizes the lack of success. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does "inability to resolve conflict" mean in a relationship?

In a relationship context, "inability to resolve conflict" signifies a recurring pattern where disagreements and disputes are not effectively addressed or solved, potentially leading to increased tension and breakdown in communication.