inconclusive

adjective

Definition of inconclusivenext
as in erroneous
not showing that something is certainly true The results of the test proved inconclusive. an inconclusive argument

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inconclusive If that investigation determines that someone is here illegally or if the investigation is inconclusive, police must notify the Department of Homeland Security, which runs the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026 The best evidence scientists had for the phenomenon was from magnetic signals recorded in ancient rocks, but those are sparse and inconclusive. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026 One spot about 15 feet below the edge of the cliff showed signs of a possible impact, but the finding was deemed inconclusive because of the time that had passed since Bernadette’s death. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026 The likelihood and capability of AI’s destructive power is hotly debated and inconclusive. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconclusive
  1. erroneous
  2. inaccurate
  3. incorrect
  4. flawed
  5. misleading
  6. wrong
Adjective
  • Bisignano, a former Wall Street CEO who has been overhauling how the agency operates, also said SSA was working to fix erroneous records.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In his own review of the case, Mandell failed to flag an erroneous jury instruction that four years later would lead to the conviction being overturned.
    — Samantha Melamed, ProPublica, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of erroneous
Adjective
  • An inaccurate count would negatively affect congressional representation.
    — Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The result was a 53% pressure rate, with Mahomes frequently under duress and uncharacteristically inaccurate.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of inaccurate
Adjective
  • The reality, of course, is that the Southern accent is not some incorrect version of a national standard but instead a historically separate and unique dialect – or, more accurately, set of dialects.
    — Valerie M. Fridland, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
  • And Ballmer and the Clippers remain adamant the penalties—and the allegations of misconduct—are incorrect.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of incorrect
Adjective
  • Perhaps less exciting is the fact her failures are more than just the flawed Edison machine.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • From a charismatic Formula 1 racing legend to a brilliant but flawed soccer god to a troubled, tragic singer, Academy Award-winning docmaker Asif Kapadia has made a career out of telling the stories of larger-than-life figures.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of flawed
Adjective
  • Meta argued the state failed to prove misleading statements about privacy and that content moderation actually harmed New Mexicans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Meta argued that New Mexico failed to prove that the tech giant's executives made misleading statements about privacy and that its content moderation practices harmed state residents.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of misleading
Adjective
  • Without it, the language model is a very expensive way to write faster emails to the wrong people.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Those chats tended to include what was going right or wrong or could be better.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrong

Browse Nearby Words

in concert
inconclusive
inconclusiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Inconclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconclusive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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