WordValemoot
debatable; or of no practical relevance because already resolved
having no practical significance; already resolved
In more detail
1. (adjective) subject to debate or not yet decided; open to question
2. (adjective) having no practical importance or effect; not relevant
3. (verb) to bring up a topic for discussion or debate
Examples
- 1. Whether the policy will work is still a moot point.
- 2. The question became moot once the company closed down.
- 3. She mooted the idea of flexible working hours at the meeting.
How to use moot
As an adjective, 'moot' describes something open to debate or lacking practical relevance, often in legal or academic contexts. As a verb, it means to raise or propose something for discussion. The adjective sense varies regionally: in American English it often emphasizes irrelevance, while in British English it emphasizes open debate. In legal education, 'moot court' is a formal practice exercise.
Common phrases
- moot point
- moot question
- moot the issue
- moot court
- moot a possibility
Synonyms
debatable · questionable · undecided · irrelevant · academic
Opposites
settled · decided · relevant
Word family
mooted · mooting
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'moot' with 'mute' (silent) or assume the verb form always means to render something irrelevant, when it simply means to introduce a topic for discussion.
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