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unsolvable

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌnsˈɒlvəbəl/

US

  • /ənˈsɑlvəbəl/

Description

Just like some puzzles have no solution, problems can be unsolvable. It means there is no way to find an answer or fix something, even after a lot of effort. An unsolvable riddle may leave you thinking for days with no clear answer. Sometimes, a problem is not just hard; it cannot be solved because of the rules or conditions involved. For example, dividing by zero in math creates an unsolvable problem.

The word suggests more than difficulty; it means a solution is not possible. A detective might call a cold case unsolvable if all leads have dried up and there is no clear way to find the truth. It can also be used in a wider, more figurative way, such as an unsolvable conflict between two stubborn people or an unsolvable mystery about someone's past.

Examples

  1. 1

    Puzzle

    The puzzle looked unsolvable at first, but then we noticed a pattern.

  2. 2

    Research problem

    The researchers ran into an unsolvable problem when the key samples were contaminated.

  3. 3

    Public issue

    For many voters, rising housing costs have started to feel almost unsolvable.

  4. 4

    Diplomacy

    After years of talks, the conflict still seemed unsolvable.

    • Pattern

      seem + adjective

      appear to be

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unsolvableadjective