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

The sheriff said that hair previously found at the scene of Nancy's Arizona home came back inconclusive after being examined. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Athletics All-Star first baseman Nick Kurtz will get an MRI on his left forearm Thursday morning after being hit by a pitch Wednesday night, as initial X-rays of his arm Wednesday were inconclusive, A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

The court recently cleared the way for Duckett’s execution after post-conviction DNA testing results – which his attorneys claimed could have demonstrated his innocence – came back inconclusive. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 26 July 2026

While the data remain inconclusive, the fulfillment of this promise may ultimately depend on whether directors anticipate rather than resist generational change. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 25 July 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