unresolved issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unresolved issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or matter that has not yet been resolved or settled. Example: "The committee is still discussing the unresolved issue of funding for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another unresolved issue is money.

The New Yorker

A second unresolved issue is enforcement.

The New York Times

The only unresolved issue is the weapons.

The New York Times

But there is one unresolved issue.

The New York Times

liability looms as the biggest unresolved issue.

The New York Times

When I see an unresolved issue, I jump in.

The New York Times

Another unresolved issue is where the case will be heard.

The New York Times

But that is not the only unresolved issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

The unresolved issue of proper relations between Islam and the state represents a chronic conundrum.

The Economist

A major unresolved issue is how quickly newly arrested Afghans should be turned over.

The New York Times

For more than three decades, Israel's occupation of Arab land has been the key unresolved issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unresolved issue" when referring to a specific problem or matter that needs to be addressed but has not yet been resolved. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "unresolved issue" as a placeholder for a more specific description of the problem. Clearly define the issue to facilitate effective communication and problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unresolved issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "unresolved" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "issue". It identifies a specific matter that requires attention but remains without a solution. Ludwig's examples show it in diverse contexts, highlighting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unresolved issue" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase widely used to denote a problem or matter that has not yet been resolved. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like ""outstanding matter"" and ""pending question"" exist, the key is to use precise language to avoid vagueness. The phrase’s neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, ensuring clear communication across different professional and academic domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding matter

Replaces "issue" with "matter", suggesting a pending item needing attention.

pending question

Substitutes "issue" with "question", implying a query that hasn't been answered.

open question

Focuses on the "issue" being open to debate or still under consideration.

unfinished business

Emphasizes that the "issue" is part of a larger set of tasks that remain incomplete.

unsettled matter

Highlights the lack of resolution and finality of the "issue".

lingering problem

Suggests that the "issue" is a persistent difficulty that continues to exist.

unaddressed concern

Focuses on the fact that the "issue" is a worry that has not been dealt with.

matter in abeyance

A more formal way to indicate that the "issue" is temporarily suspended or postponed.

unresolved conflict

Specifically refers to a disagreement or dispute that has not been settled.

unanswered question

Highlights that the "issue" is a question which has not been replied to.

FAQs

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

You can use "unresolved issue" to describe a problem or matter that has not been resolved yet. For example: "The budget allocation remains an "unresolved issue" for the committee".

What are some alternatives to "unresolved issue"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "outstanding matter", "pending question", or "open question".

Is "unresolved issue" formal or informal?

"Unresolved issue" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "unresolved issue" and "unresolved problem"?

While both phrases are similar, "unresolved problem" typically implies a more concrete obstacle or difficulty, whereas ""unresolved issue"" can refer to a more abstract matter or point of discussion.