unsettled issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettled issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or matter that has not been resolved or is still open for discussion. Example: "The committee is still debating the unsettled issue of funding for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Chief Justice Moore's lawyer, Mathew Staver, argued that the conflicting state and federal orders had thus remained an unsettled issue — indeed, that it is still unsettled since the State Supreme Court has never dismissed the old orders.

The New York Times

But others say this has yet to be accomplished -- among them Dr. Strominger, who added, "It remains an unsettled issue".

The New York Times - Science

I get the argument for letting Congress be the place where DADT is repealed — it puts it on sounder democratic footing, and prevents it, or so the hope goes, from becoming the kind of unsettled issue that, say, abortion has been.

The New Yorker

The fact that some of the tax changes would not be made until next year and the unsettled issue of state exemptions for ethanol were troubling to Senate Democrats who are important to passing the energy measure because a handful of Senate Republicans are dead set against it because of other energy issues.

The New York Times

Miramax Books will be managed over the next two years by publishing executives representing both the Walt Disney Company and the Weinstein brothers, the companies said yesterday, resolving an unsettled issue in the split of Harvey and Bob Weinstein from Disney.

The New York Times

Such a transition has been attracting a great deal of interest and remains an unsettled issue.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"They gravitate to interesting, unsettled issues," he said.

The New York Times

Today, senior negotiators from both sides are to resume discussions on a range of unsettled issues.

The New York Times

"These unsettled issues are substantial and of potentially widespread significance," the tour's lawyers wrote in seeking the extension.

The New York Times - Sports

How to keep the cost of the tax credits down was one of many unsettled issues during negotiations over the 2008-09 budget in March and April.

The New York Times

Should the Flyers advance to the third round, with Lindros trying a comeback, unsettled issues could spark up the way a campfire's ashes flare in a stiff breeze.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsettled issue", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the issue unsettled, such as conflicting opinions, lack of evidence, or ongoing negotiations.

Common error

Avoid using "unsettled issue" for minor disagreements or trivial matters. Reserve it for discussions of substantial importance or complexity where resolution is genuinely uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettled issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unsettled" modifies the noun "issue". According to Ludwig, this construction is used to identify a matter that lacks a definitive resolution and is still subject to debate or uncertainty. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from legal battles to scientific inquiries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsettled issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a topic or matter that remains unresolved or under debate. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase's neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, while alternatives like "unresolved matter" or "pending question" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context supports the implication of uncertainty or ongoing discussion. As Ludwig confirms, proper usage and awareness of related phrases can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresolved matter

Replaces 'issue' with 'matter', maintaining the sense of something not yet decided.

pending question

Substitutes "unsettled" with "pending" and "issue" with "question", focusing on the aspect of waiting for a resolution.

open question

Highlights the lack of a definitive answer, using 'open' to suggest ongoing consideration.

contentious topic

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement or debate surrounding the issue.

debatable point

Highlights that the issue is still up for debate, not yet settled.

unresolved conflict

Focuses on the conflict aspect, suggesting that the issue involves opposing viewpoints or interests.

unclear situation

Shifts the focus to the ambiguity and lack of clarity surrounding the matter.

matter in dispute

Highlights that the issue is actively being contested or argued.

outstanding problem

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the issue and its lack of resolution.

ongoing debate

Focuses on the continuous discussion and lack of consensus on the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "unsettled issue" to describe a topic that is still being debated or has not been resolved. For example: "The question of funding remains an "unsettled issue" for the committee."

What are some alternatives to "unsettled issue"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unresolved matter", "pending question", or "open question" instead of "unsettled issue".

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

Both "unsettled issue" and "unresolved issue" are acceptable. "Unsettled" emphasizes the ongoing debate or lack of agreement, while "unresolved" emphasizes the lack of a final solution.

When is it appropriate to use the term "unsettled issue"?

Use "unsettled issue" when referring to a subject that is still open for discussion, lacks a clear resolution, or is characterized by conflicting opinions or evidence.