inconclusive

adjective

in·​con·​clu·​sive ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce inconclusive (audio)
-ziv
: leading to no conclusion or definite result
inconclusive evidence
an inconclusive argument
inconclusively adverb
inconclusiveness noun

Examples of inconclusive in a Sentence

The results of the test were inconclusive. The first two rounds of the boxing match were inconclusive.
Recent Examples on the Web Many American studies and European studies reach the same conclusions: In high doses, caffeine can have negative health effects for children and adults, the effect of caffeine on childhood development is inconclusive, and small amounts of caffeine are well tolerated in adults and children. Jaina Grey, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024 The war in Ukraine appears stuck in an inconclusive state that is sapping both U.S. public support and congressional support for additional billions of dollars in military and economic assistance. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Jan. 2024 And as the fighting settles into inconclusive, brutal trench warfare, material motivations are becoming even more prominent. Isayen Herrera, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2023 The medical and dental examinations to determine her identity and cause of death were inconclusive, and she was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as an unidentified decedent on June 29, 1992. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Feb. 2024 But, according to Healthline, research is inconclusive because there isn’t certainty on whether a client’s weight loss stems from the acupuncture treatment or their positive attitude that leads them to make healthy choices. USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024 This requirement has gone to court repeatedly for three years, with frustratingly inconclusive results. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 26 Nov. 2023 The outcome was the result of months of haggling since an inconclusive July election in which neither the conservative Popular Party, which came in first, or the Socialist Party, which came in second, secured enough support to govern alone. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023 The agreement announced last week seeks to end months of uncertainty since an inconclusive election in July. TIME, 13 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inconclusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconclusive was in 1707

Dictionary Entries Near inconclusive

Cite this Entry

“Inconclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconclusive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inconclusive

adjective
in·​con·​clu·​sive ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce inconclusive (audio)
-ziv
: not leading to a definite conclusion or result
inconclusive evidence
inconclusively adverb
inconclusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inconclusive

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