inconclusive

adjective

in·​con·​clu·​sive ˌin-kən-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce inconclusive (audio)
-ziv
Synonyms of inconclusivenext
: 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
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.
The scientific evidence behind that idea, however, is inconclusive. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Two more came out after his death in Los Angeles from two stab wounds to the chest, injuries that seemed self-inflicted though the coroner’s report was inconclusive. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Clinicians found real value in cases involving subtle fractures in the knees, feet and other extremities, where conventional X-ray findings were inconclusive or missed the fracture altogether. — Erez Meltzer, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 There are plenty of well-meaning people and experts posting content everyday, but both professors noted that even that material may be misleading, inconclusive or overly generalized. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for inconclusive

See All Rhymes for inconclusive

Browse Nearby Words

in conclusion
inconclusive
inconcoct
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconclusive. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inconclusive

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