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.
When an incident occurs, tracing back to the responsible party is slow and often inconclusive. Ofer Klein, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Ballard said his comments were not about specific evidence but rather the circumstances that can lead to an inconclusive result. Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Duckett’s attorneys this spring said an evidentiary hearing was needed after DNA tests conducted in March — ones not available at the time of their client’s arrest decades ago — and the results reviewed by a second lab last month showed inconclusive results as to whether Duckett’s DNA was present. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026 And latent print and DNA collection were inconclusive. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 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 2 Jul. 2026.

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

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