1
Core quality
Unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
Example
Without additional records, the dispute may be unresolvable.
unresolvable
/ˌʌnrɪˈzɒlvəbəl/ · un-ri-ZOL-vuh-buladjective
Unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
Use unresolvable to express this relationship precisely: unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
What unresolvable Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The two requirements create an apparently unresolvable contradiction.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Some historical questions remain unresolvable because the evidence has been lost.
Use unresolvable Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Without additional records, the dispute may be unresolvable.
The two requirements create an apparently unresolvable contradiction.
Some historical questions remain unresolvable because the evidence has been lost.
Precision Matters
Unresolvable overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
unresolvable
vs.Means unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
insurmountable
Means too great or difficult to overcome.
unresolvable
vs.Means unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
unclassifiable
Means unable to be assigned reliably to an established category.
unresolvable
vs.Means unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
ambiguous
Means open to more than one reasonable interpretation.
unresolvable
vs.Means unable to be solved, settled, reconciled, or brought to a definite conclusion.
remain to be seen
Means not yet be known, demonstrated, or settled because future evidence or events are needed.
Test unresolvable in Context
The available evidence cannot settle or resolve the disagreement.
1
Because both witnesses died and no records survive, the disagreement is probably ___.