olöst

Olöst is a Swedish adjective meaning unsolved or unresolved. It describes something that has not yet been solved, concluded, or settled, such as problems, questions, mysteries, or decisions. The term is widely used across domains including science, journalism, law, and everyday speech. For example: ett olöst problem (an unsolved problem), olösta frågor i forskningen (unresolved questions in research), de olösta gåtorna (the unsolved riddles). The form functions like other adjectives and inflects to agree with the noun in number and definiteness: ett olöst problem, olösta frågor, de olösta gåtorna.

Etymology: olöst is formed from the negating prefix o- attached to löst, the past participle related to the verb lösa (to solve). In Swedish, the adjective indicates incomplete knowledge or pending resolution rather than mere incompleteness.

Usage notes: olöst is often contrasted with löst (solved). The term can apply to both concrete issues (a police case) and abstract inquiries (a philosophical question). While it conveys that a solution has not yet been found, it does not necessarily imply negligence or error; simply that the process remains open.