WordGarden.iounsolved
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnsˈɒlvd/
US
- /ənˈsɑlvd/
Meanings
Adjective
not yet explained, answered, or solved
Beyond the definition
When a problem, crime, or mystery remains unsolved, no one has found the answer or explanation yet. It stays there like a question still hanging in the air. Think of a puzzle with all the pieces on the table, but no clear picture yet.
The word often brings a feeling of mystery and sometimes frustration. A case can stay unsolved for years, and a riddle can remain unsolved until someone sees the answer. You might read about unsolved crimes in the news or about unsolved mysteries from history. The idea is simple: the answer is still missing.
The word "unsolved" describes a situation where a problem, mystery, crime, or question has not yet been answered or resolved. It signifies a lack of closure and often suggests ongoing investigation or persistent uncertainty. For example: "The disappearance of Amelia Earhart remains an unsolved mystery," meaning the circumstances surrounding her vanishing are still unknown.
"Unsolved" isn't simply about something being difficult; it implies that efforts have been made to find a solution, but they haven't succeeded. It's commonly used in contexts like criminal investigations ("an unsolved murder"), historical enigmas ("the unsolved mysteries of the pyramids"), or intellectual challenges ("an unsolved mathematical problem").
The prefix "un-" negates the verb "solve," which means to find an answer or resolution. Therefore, unsolved literally means "not solved." It's a word that evokes curiosity and often implies a desire for answers. A detective might dedicate their career to unsolved cases, hoping to bring closure to victims and families.
So whether it's a baffling crime, a historical puzzle, or a personal dilemma, when something is unsolved, it remains open, unresolved, and waiting for its answer to be found.
Examples
- 1
Crime case
The murder case remained unsolved for years.
- 2
Mystery
Her disappearance is still one of the country's best-known unsolved mysteries.
- 3
Land dispute
The conflict will continue if the land dispute stays unsolved.
- 4
Problem solving
Even after hours of discussion, they left the funding problem unsolved.
- Patternleave + problem unsolved
not find an answer or solution for it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Science questions
Some of the biggest unsolved questions in science are about the human brain.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- unexplained
- open
- pending
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- unsolved mystery
- unsolved case
- unsolved problem
- remain unsolved
Word family
Explore
- cold case
- mystery
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unsolvedadjective