inconclusive

adjective

in·​con·​clu·​sive ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce inconclusive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of inconclusivenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Current research on generative AI’s impact on student learning is limited, inconclusive and tends to focus on older students – not K-12 children. Niral Shah, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025 For one thing, lessons from the war in Ukraine—an attritional, inconclusive struggle between two fundamentally land-centric armed forces—often do not apply directly to other kinds of conflicts. Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025 The initial results were inconclusive, but further testing over the next week, to rule out the possibility of a brain or spinal tumor, ultimately led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Andrew Abrahams, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025 After a year of inconclusive tests, she was eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2019. L'oreal Thompson Payton, SELF, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inconclusive

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconclusive was in 1707

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Cite this Entry

“Inconclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconclusive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

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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