Definition

Adjective 1. Not leading to a definite conclusion or result: Describes something that does not resolve a question, settle a doubt, or provide a clear answer. 2. Not decisive or final: Indicates that an event, action, or piece of information does not determine an outcome.

Examples

• The investigation was inconclusive; the police could not determine the exact cause of the fire.
• The data from the first experiment was inconclusive, so the scientists decided to run it again.
• After hours of debate, the meeting ended with an inconclusive vote, and no decision was made.
• The medical tests came back inconclusive, meaning they did not confirm or rule out the disease.

Advanced Usage

• "To prove inconclusive": A common phrase meaning to ultimately fail to provide a clear result.
  • The new evidence, which we had hoped would solve the case, proved inconclusive.
• "To remain inconclusive": Used to describe a situation that continues to be unresolved over time.
  • The negotiations remain inconclusive after several rounds of talks.

Variants and Related Words

• Inconclusively (adverb): In a manner that does not lead to a conclusion.
  • The debate ended inconclusively.
• Inconclusiveness (noun): The quality or state of being inconclusive.
  • The inconclusiveness of the report frustrated everyone.

Synonyms

• Indeterminate: Not fixed or known in advance; uncertain.
• Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
• Inconclusive is often contrasted with conclusive (serving to prove a case; decisive) and definitive (serving to provide a final solution or to end a dispute).

Antonyms

• Conclusive
• Definitive
• Decisive

Notes on Meaning

The word inconclusive is primarily used to describe processes, results, evidence, arguments, or votes that do not lead to a clear end point or answer. It emphasizes the lack of resolution or certainty.

Adjective

1. not conclusive; not putting an end to doubt or question
   • an inconclusive reply
   • inconclusive evidence
   • the inconclusive committee vote