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

Other studies have also found inconclusive results. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2026

There are dozens of studies on this, but the team of medical researchers believed that prior systematic reviews yielded inconclusive results, owing to small sample size and the apps becoming obsolete. —New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026

Multiple doctors thought Provencher had terminal lung cancer, but tests and biopsies were inconclusive. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026

As for what kind of case Greene will build to defend Reiner, the legal tea leaves remain inconclusive. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 Jan. 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