inconclusive

adjective

in·​con·​clu·​sive ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

: leading to no conclusion or definite result

inconclusive test results

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

Even inconclusive results can lead to future diagnoses as science advances. — Eliza Goldwasser, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

Soon, Maduro cracked down on Guaidó’s inner circle, and the opposition submitted to another round of inconclusive talks. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Benchmark selection rationale, red-team findings and bias audit results, including inconclusive ones, must be documented rather than summarized. — Akash Pugalia, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The effectiveness of probiotics depends on the specific strain, dose, and individual, and evidence for preventing travelers’ diarrhea remains inconclusive. — T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inconclusive

• nonexclusive
• unobtrusive
• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive

Kids Definition

inconclusive

adjective

in·​con·​clu·​sive ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

: not leading to a definite conclusion or result

inconclusive evidence

inconclusively adverb

inconclusiveness noun