unresolved problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unresolved problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an issue or challenge that has not yet been solved or addressed. Example: "The team is currently working on an unresolved problem that has been affecting our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

deduplication side-Channels C D: heuristics and code, RTSC Fuzzy timers High [40, 57] Co-residency detection none D: Attack specific Unresolved problem Low [24] VM Escape C/A/I Unresolved problem Patching, software engineering formal verification Low/Med.

Journal of Cloud Computing

But for me this was an unresolved problem.

The Guardian

Spain's troubled banking system is another unresolved problem.

The New York Times

Today he called it "the sorest unresolved problem" between the two countries.

The New York Times

The other unresolved problem is how to make government take notice when it's planning policy.

The Guardian

For the companies, the casks are a reminder of an unresolved problem.

The New York Times

He suggested that people should have known that his sexting was an unresolved problem well into 2012.

The New York Times

As mentioned above, the origin of dolomite-rich rocks in marine sequences remains an unresolved problem of petrogenesis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One unresolved problem is what to do with 12m litres of contaminated water left over from efforts to put out the fire.

The Guardian

This might indicate that the cause lies not so much with the Roma as with an unresolved problem of racism in the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Times said Weiner had "suggested that people should have known that his sexting was an unresolved problem well into 2012".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex situations, using "unresolved problem" helps to clearly identify areas needing attention. Be specific about what makes the problem unresolved and potential steps to address it.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that there is an "unresolved problem" without providing context or details. Instead, describe the nature of the problem and its impact to give your audience a clear understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unresolved problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific issue that requires attention or a solution. Ludwig examples demonstrate its common usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unresolved problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes an issue awaiting resolution. Ludwig AI indicates that it's commonly employed across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to identify outstanding issues, prompting discussion or action. While versatile, specificity is key to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "outstanding issue" or "lingering question" can be used based on nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, demonstrating its suitability for professional and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding issue

Focuses on the fact that the problem is still pending and needs attention.

lingering question

Emphasizes the duration and persistence of the unanswered aspect.

open question

Highlights the lack of a definitive answer or resolution.

pending difficulty

Stresses the challenge aspect of the problem and its current unresolved state.

unanswered dilemma

Highlights the aspect of a difficult choice or situation without a clear solution.

unsettled matter

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or finality regarding the issue.

insurmountable obstacle

Focuses on the perceived impossibility of overcoming the problem.

unaddressed challenge

Highlights the fact that the problem has not been tackled or dealt with.

intractable difficulty

Stresses the stubborn and unyielding nature of the problem.

thorny subject

Emphasizes the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "unresolved problem" to describe an issue that hasn't been solved. For example, "The budget deficit remains an "unresolved problem" for the city council."

What's an alternative to "unresolved problem"?

Alternatives include "outstanding issue", "lingering question", or "open question", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unresolved issue" or "unresolved problem"?

Both "unresolved issue" and "unresolved problem" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Issue" might be used for less concrete situations, while "problem" might be used for more concrete ones.

What does it mean when someone refers to an "unresolved problem"?

It means they are talking about a difficulty or challenge that has not yet been successfully addressed or resolved. It often implies a need for further action or consideration.