unresolved dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

"unresolved dilemma" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult situation or problem that has not yet been resolved or solved. Example: The country is facing an unresolved dilemma over how to best handle the issue of immigration.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

What doesn't change is the sense that each individual here, often just viewed for a few seconds, is afflicted by some unresolved dilemma.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a fundamental tension in the American schooling system an unresolved dilemma between the ideals of what a school should be in a democracy and what American schools actually offer its citizens.

Improving Academic Achievement Impact of Psychological Factors on Education

But once the external constraint is ditched, the modern right has this unresolved dilemma: the levels of economic freedom it wants always produce levels of discontent that require political freedom to be curtailed.

The Guardian - Opinion

All in all, the identification problem can be viewed as the (unresolved) dilemma of economists to make (correct) inference by reducing at most the number and strength of (necessary) assumptions.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Discrepancies between willingness to consent to donate and refusal at the bedside can be attributed to an unresolved dilemma: aiding people or protect the body of the deceased.

BMC Medical Ethics

This poses the unresolved dilemma of whether the first settlers reached the islands by themselves and after that forgot their sailing skills or if they were transported to the islands by another maritime people [ 6].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Inside elaborate, comprehensive and bold legislation there are several unresolved dilemmas, the biggest of which is the future of public service broadcasting as this country has known and on the whole enjoyed it for more than 70 years.

The Guardian

The deepening division between rich and poor (or salary between chief executive and blue-collar worker), the continuing appeal of affirmative action and multiculturalism to liberals and the relative absence of democratic social foresight and planning all pointed to basic and unresolved dilemmas.

The Guardian

Burkean minimalists face a number of unresolved dilemmas, above all involving the appropriately Burkean response to non- Burkean, or anti-Burkean, precedents.

University of Chicago

And these unresolved dilemmas continue to fuel the suspicions of many market players embittered by accounting debacles at Enron, WorldCom and other companies.

Forbes

Whilst there were no unresolved dilemmas, actors had different perspectives and motives.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unresolved dilemma", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the situation a dilemma and why it remains unresolved. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unresolved dilemma" to describe situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly problematic. Reserve it for genuine dilemmas with significant conflicting factors and no easy solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unresolved dilemma" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a difficult situation or problem that has not yet been resolved. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts such as ethical, political, and personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unresolved dilemma" is a noun phrase used to describe a complex situation lacking a clear resolution, often involving conflicting factors. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals the phrase is frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific contexts. It carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional discussions. To use the phrase effectively, ensure the context highlights both the conflicting elements and the ongoing lack of resolution. While various alternatives exist, like "unsettled predicament" or "outstanding problem", the specific choice depends on the nuances you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettled predicament

Emphasizes the lack of resolution and the challenging nature of the situation.

outstanding problem

Focuses on the problem aspect and its current state of being unresolved.

unresolved conflict

Highlights the conflicting elements within the dilemma that remain unaddressed.

lingering quandary

Suggests a dilemma that persists over time without a solution.

unanswered question

Shifts the focus to the aspect of the dilemma that involves unanswered inquiries.

unresolved issue

A more general term emphasizing the lack of resolution.

outstanding challenge

Highlights the difficulty and lack of resolution in a challenging situation.

pending difficulty

Focuses on the unresolved aspect of a difficult situation that needs attention.

unsettled dispute

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and finality in a contentious situation.

persistent conundrum

Stresses the confusing and continuously unresolved nature of the dilemma.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unresolved dilemma" in a sentence?

To use "unresolved dilemma" effectively, ensure the sentence clearly presents the conflicting factors that make the situation a dilemma and emphasize the lack of a current resolution. For example: "The nation faces an "unresolved dilemma" between economic growth and environmental protection".

What phrases can I use instead of "unresolved dilemma"?

Alternatives to "unresolved dilemma" include "unsettled predicament", "outstanding problem", or "unresolved conflict", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unresolved dilemma" in formal writing?

Yes, "unresolved dilemma" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a difficult situation that lacks a solution. Ensure the context provides sufficient details about the nature of the dilemma.

What distinguishes an "unresolved dilemma" from a simple "problem"?

An "unresolved dilemma" involves conflicting factors or choices, making a solution difficult to achieve, while a simple "problem" may have a straightforward solution. A dilemma presents a more complex and challenging situation than a mere problem.