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 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 See More

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 8 Dec. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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