unresolved
Britishadjective
Explanation
The word unresolved may describe an argument that has not been solved, a question that remains unanswered, or a decision that has not been made — like the title of "Checkers Champion" after a tie game. The word unresolved is used for a situation that lacks a resolution, or ending. It can also describe unaddressed emotions, such as anger or sadness, as in the unresolved issues you have toward your hamster ever since it bit your finger. The word unresolved can also be used to describe musical dissonance — if you hear a chord in a symphony that makes you think the song isn’t over, the chord is probably unresolved.
Vocabulary lists containing unresolved
The Blood of Olympus
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The American Pageant," Vocabulary from Chapters 36-37
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In this heart-sore and compassionate investigation of unresolved pain, director Marialuisa Ernst makes a parallel between their plight and how her uncle’s disappearance during Argentina’s dictatorship affected her family.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Mark McTaggart, from INTO, said "too many concerns remain unresolved," while the UTU's Jacquie White said "teachers and school leaders are still facing an incoming academic year which is not promising change or improvement".
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
The major disagreements between the two sides remain unresolved and military frictions near the strait are stoking geopolitical risk premiums in markets, Guoxin Futures analysts say in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Iran's Tasnim news agency said based on their information key clauses of a possible agreement remained unresolved.
From Barron's • May 25, 2026
At the end of October 1890 the site question remained unresolved.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
