inconclusive

[ in-kuhn-kloo-siv ]

adjective

1. not conclusive; not resolving fully all doubts or questions:

   inconclusive evidence.

2. without final results or outcome:

   inconclusive experiments.

inconclusive

/ ˌɪnkənˈkluːsɪv /

adjective

1. not conclusive or decisive; not finally settled; indeterminate

Derived Forms

• ˌinconˈclusively, adverb
• ˌinconˈclusiveness, noun

Other Words From

• incon·clusive·ly adverb
• incon·clusive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inconclusive¹

First recorded in 1680–90; in- ³ + conclusive

Example Sentences

Martin noted that polls, which he doesn’t trust, are inconclusive, and he said that while he still cringes at times when Trump speaks, “I don’t think any of his ramblings will cost him the election.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some wildlife officials call these results “inconclusive” because they don’t consider them robust enough, but some experts see them as writing on the cave walls.

From Los Angeles Times

One passed a polygraph; the other showed inconclusive results.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she received “inconclusive results” to due her dense breast tissue and underwent a breast ultrasound as a result.

From Los Angeles Times

No close-up of Woakes’ right foot was available, the grainy footage was inconclusive and the benefit of the doubt went to the batter.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambiguous
• deficient
• incomplete
• uncertain
• unconvincing
• uneventful
• unsatisfactory
• unsettled
• vague