unsettled matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsettled matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a topic or issue that has not yet been resolved or decided upon. Example: The ownership of the family business was an unsettled matter between the siblings, causing tension and arguments within the family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What sparks the disease is still an unsettled matter, but whatever the cause, the results are brain tissue atrophy and reduction of memory and thinking skills that increase over time.

MIT Technology Review

There is one unsettled matter: Farenthold publicly promised in December to repay taxpayers for the $84,000 that was paid to his former communications director, Lauren Greene, who alleged in a 2014 lawsuit that he had discussed having sexual fantasies and "wet dreams" about her and that he had fired her after she complained about his behavior.

The Washington Post

The ideal issue is an interesting, public, and unsettled matter, which however needs to be settled in the near future [10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16].

European Journal of Futures Research

Stills of Unsettled Matter, 2015 c.

Huffington Post

The new archetype embodied by the artist arises as a fountain of spirit, closing the loop of Unsettled Matter, thereby converting the cycle of descent/rebirth into the fusion of gender polarities.

Huffington Post

Unsettled Matter settles the matter of Unseen through the very timeliness of what is "seen"... the shadow of the authentic artist arising from under the eclipse of the 24/7 celebrity culture.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Disputes over the interpretation of the treaty led the Spartans to dispatch ambassadors to Athens with full powers to arrange all unsettled matters.

Wikipedia

But why should the qualities of "disjointed and unsettled" be matters for appreciation?

Huffington Post

These questions are beyond this book's scope, which leaves matters unsettled and unsettling -- just the way Genesis leaves things.

The New York Times - Books

It went into effect in 2015, but years of legal wrangling left the matter unsettled until 2016.

The Washington Post

The Kelly-Brazile confrontation appeared to leave the matter unsettled, but then a second email emerged on Oct. 31.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsettled matter", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the lack of resolution. Providing context adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unsettled matter" excessively in highly formal or legal documents. More precise language may be necessary to convey the specific nature of the unresolved issue. Consider alternatives like "pending litigation" or "outstanding claim" for greater clarity in legal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsettled matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a topic, issue, or situation that remains unresolved or undecided. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsettled matter" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a topic, issue, or situation that is unresolved or undecided. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the cause of the lack of resolution and consider more precise language for highly formal settings. Alternatives like "unresolved issue" or "open question" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsettled question

Synonymous, simply replaces "matter" with "question".

unresolved issue

Focuses specifically on an issue that has not been resolved.

outstanding issue

Focuses on the fact that the issue is prominent and needs to be dealt with.

unresolved problem

Highlights the problematic nature of the matter and its lack of resolution.

open question

Highlights the questioning aspect and lack of a definitive answer.

matter in dispute

Emphasizes the aspect of disagreement or contention.

debatable point

Highlights that the topic is open for debate and discussion.

pending decision

Focuses on the fact that a decision is still needed.

undecided question

Stresses the lack of a firm decision or conclusion.

controversial topic

Indicates the topic is likely to cause disagreement or conflicting opinions.

FAQs

How to use "unsettled matter" in a sentence?

You can use "unsettled matter" to refer to something that is not yet decided or resolved. For example, "The details of the contract remain an "unsettled matter" between the two parties."

What can I say instead of "unsettled matter"?

You can use alternatives like "unresolved issue", "open question", or "matter in dispute" depending on the context.

Is "unsettled matter" a formal or informal phrase?

"Unsettled matter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or legal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "pending decision" or "outstanding issue".

What's the difference between "unsettled matter" and "unresolved issue"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of resolution, "unsettled matter" is broader and can refer to any topic not yet decided. An "unresolved issue" specifically refers to a problem or difficulty that has not been solved.