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
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.
In October 2024, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Office star shared that the previous year she was diagnosed with breast cancer following an inconclusive mammogram. Kiran Hefa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 There is some concern that taking too much melatonin may disrupt the body's natural production of the hormone, but research in this area has been inconclusive, said Michelle Drerup, PsyD, director of behavioral sleep medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025 Leclerc wasn’t sanctioned because the available evidence on his leaving the track, rather than the contentious positioning, was inconclusive. Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 In the end, the Viking landers found no creatures, and biological experiments proved inconclusive. David W. Brown, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 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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