in dispute

/ɪn dɪˈspjuːt/
phraseIntermediate Contested or challenged
⚖️Law
formal

A matter or issue that is being contested or challenged, often legally.

The will's validity is in dispute among the heirs.

Legal challenge example

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Often implies a legal or formal challenge.

informal

More broadly, any point of disagreement or contention.

Their opinion on the movie is in dispute.

Informal disagreement example

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Can be used in non-legal contexts for any disagreement.

Collocations

under disputeBeing currently challenged or contestedout of disputeUncontested or universally agreed upon

Related Phrases

settle a disputephrase
To resolve a controversy or disagreement

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Ensure 'in dispute' is used appropriately for the context: legal/business for formal, any context for informal.

Gold Rule

Subject-Verb Agreement

The subject preceding 'in dispute' dictates verb agreement, e.g., 'The issue in dispute is/are...' depends on the subject.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'desputer' (to dispute), influenced by Latin 'disputare' (to discuss, dispute).

📝Usage Notes

Formal use is common in legal and business contexts; informal use applies to any disagreement.

Word Breakdown

in
indicating a state or condition
preposition
+
dispute
a disagreement or contention
noun
English Dictionary