nonresolution

Nonresolution is a term used to describe the state or property of lacking resolution. In general usage, it refers to situations in which a problem, dispute, or perceptual input has not been resolved to a stable or interpretable conclusion or image. The term combines non- with resolution, meaning not resolving or distinguishing details.

In dispute resolution, nonresolution denotes deadlock or impasse where parties fail to reach agreement through available processes. It can result from entrenched positions, incompatible goals, or procedural constraints. Nonresolution may prompt escalation to higher authorities, time-bound arbitrations, or the adoption of new negotiation strategies.

In imaging and perception, nonresolution describes an input that cannot be distinguished into separate elements by a given sensor or analysis method. For optical systems, it is related to the diffraction limit; when two points are closer than roughly the Rayleigh criterion, they become nonresolvable and merge into a single impression. In digital imagery, nonresolution can manifest as blur, pixelation, or aliasing, reducing the ability to separate features.

In logic and computer science, nonresolution may refer to approaches that do not employ the resolution principle as the primary inference mechanism. This umbrella includes natural deduction, semantic tableaux, and model-checking techniques. The term is less common than resolution, and usage varies by author.

Related terms include resolution, unresolved, and stalemate.