inconclusive
adjective
in·con·clu·sive
ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv 
-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
Activists on both sides of the debate said the role of social media is too big to ignore, even if researchers say the scientific evidence about the influence of TikTok and other apps is inconclusive.
—
David Ingram, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2023
The video was inconclusive, however, and the driver maintained his innocence.
—Samantha Sunne, ProPublica, 16 Nov. 2023
Initial testing of the liquid in the Livens projectile was inconclusive, so it was taken to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for additional testing, officials said.
—Stephen Smith, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2023
However, initial testing of the liquid in the Livens projectile was inconclusive and it was taken to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Edgewood, Maryland, in August for additional testing, which indicated the Livens did not pose a hazard.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2023
But others are asserting that the evidence is inconclusive.
—William D. Cohan, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2023
Perry’s initial autopsy results were inconclusive, pending a toxicology report, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office said Sunday.
—Chloe Melas, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2023
Connor Bowman initially claimed Betty died of a rare hyper-inflammatory condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but tests for the unusual condition were inconclusive, and a source told police that Betty was previously healthy before her rapid deterioration.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023
But after the trial, prosecutors said the necropsy for the second death was inconclusive and that there was no concrete evidence the helicopters caused the zebra’s death.
—Katie Mettler, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2023
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David Ingram, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2023
The video was inconclusive, however, and the driver maintained his innocence.
—Samantha Sunne, ProPublica, 16 Nov. 2023
Initial testing of the liquid in the Livens projectile was inconclusive, so it was taken to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for additional testing, officials said.
—Stephen Smith, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2023
However, initial testing of the liquid in the Livens projectile was inconclusive and it was taken to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Edgewood, Maryland, in August for additional testing, which indicated the Livens did not pose a hazard.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2023
But others are asserting that the evidence is inconclusive.
—William D. Cohan, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2023
Perry’s initial autopsy results were inconclusive, pending a toxicology report, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office said Sunday.
—Chloe Melas, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2023
Connor Bowman initially claimed Betty died of a rare hyper-inflammatory condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but tests for the unusual condition were inconclusive, and a source told police that Betty was previously healthy before her rapid deterioration.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023
But after the trial, prosecutors said the necropsy for the second death was inconclusive and that there was no concrete evidence the helicopters caused the zebra’s death.
—Katie Mettler, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2023
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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
Dictionary Entries Near inconclusive
Cite this Entry
“Inconclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconclusive. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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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
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